The James Beard Foundation’s finalists were unveiled Wednesday in multiple catergories, and Colorado was represented in several major categories.

The semi-finalists were announced back in January, with the finalists announced today. The winners will be revealed on June 16 in Chicago.

Colorado’s 2025 James Beard Foundation finalists

• Josh Niernberg of Bin 707 Foodbar (400 Main St., Grand Junction) for Outstanding Chef

• Frasca Food and Wine (1738 Pearl St. Boulder) for Outstanding Restaurant

• Penelope Wong of Yuan Wonton (2878 Fairfax St., Denver) for Best Chef: Mountain

• Alma Fonda Fina (2556 15th St., Denver) for Best New Restaurant

• Carolyn Nugent and Alen Ramos of Poulette Bakeshop (19585 Hess Road, Parker) for Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker

• McLain Hedges and Mary Allison Wright of Yacht Club (3701 Williams St., Denver) for Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service

• Denver’s Alma Fonda Fina is one of 10 establishments in the country up for Best New Restaurant. The restaurant was the first from chef Johnny Curiel and received a Michelin star in 2024. Curiel has gone on to open three other restaurants, including most recently, Alteño.

“It’s a moment of pure shock and disbelief — we’re incredibly humbled,” Curiel said in a statement. “Our goal has always been to make our city’s restaurant scene more inclusive, culturally diverse, and innovative, and this moment feels like a step forward for all of us.”

The foundation’s Humanitarian of the Year Award went to Chad Houser, founder of Café Momentum, a restaurant and non-profit organization employing at-risk teens.

Café Momentum will open a location in Denver next year, according to the foundation’s announcement. Houser has three other locations in Dallas, Pittsburgh and Atlanta.