by Talk Business & Politics staff (staff2@talkbusiness.net)

The James Beard Foundation has named three Northwest Arkansas chefs as semifinalists for the 2025 James Beard Awards, the foundation announced Wednesday (Jan. 22). This year marks the 35th anniversary of the James Beard Awards.

Matthew Cooper of Bentonville-based Conifer, Rafael Rios of Bentonville-based Yeyo’s El Alma de Mexico, and Jordan Wright of Johnson-based Wright’s Barbecue are the Arkansas semifinalists in the Best Chef: South category of the 2025 Restaurant and Chef Awards.

The James Beard Awards, which have over 70 categories, recognize exceptional talent in the culinary and food media industries and are considered to be among the nation’s most prestigious honors, the release shows.

3 NWA chefs selected as semifinalists for 2025 James Beard Awards