Rafael Rios | Matthew Cooper | Jordan Wright
Three Northwest Arkansas chefs have been named semifinalists for the prestigious James Beard Awards—all vying for the “Best Chef: South” title.
The Farm-to-Taco Maestro: A three-time semifinalist, Chef Rafael Rios brings farm-to-table Mexican cuisine to life with tacos, burritos, and quesadillas, all sourced from his family’s Northwest Arkansas farm.
The Gluten-Free Guru: A two-time semifinalist, Chef Matthew Cooper is known for his elevated, gluten-free menu and shareable plate options at Conifer in Bentonville.
The Pitmaster Extraordinaire: Known for its around-the-clock pit operation, Jordan Wright earned a nomination this year for the legendary smoked meats of Wright’s BBQ, which has four locations across Arkansas.
Learn more about the nominees and the James Beard Awards timeline HERE.