BILOXI, Miss. (WLOX) - The 2026 James Beard Semifinalists have been named, and a South Mississippi chef is being honored.
Chef Austin Sumrall was named a semifinalist for Best Chef in the South for White Pillars in Biloxi. He is also the chef at the Siren Social Club in Gulfport.
“I’ve worked for several James Beard award winning chefs,” Sumrall said. “Its not something I really ever thought would be a possibility for myself but I am humbled and excited to be a part of it.“
The James Beard Awards are considered the pinnacle of culinary recognition in the United States.
Finalists will be announced on March 31, with winners celebrated at a ceremony in Chicago on June 15. To see the full list of nominees, click here.
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Sumrall’s two restaurants also recently received recognition from Michelin.
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