Two restaurateurs up for 2025 James Beard Awards

Two restaurateurs have been named semifinalists for the 2025 James Beard Awards.

The semi-finalists were announced last week and the next round will come out April 2. Winners will be announced at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony on June 16 in Chicago.

It is the 35th anniversary of the prestigious awards coveted in the food service industry.

A familiar name is back in the James Beard semifinalists.

Vestige of Ocean Springs is up for Outstanding Hospitality.

The restaurant owned by Alex Perry and his wife, Kumo Omoria, has been nominated several times as a top chef. Last year, he was a finalist for outstanding restaurant.

Over in Biloxi, Tresse and Austin Sumrall, owners of White Pillars, are semifinalists for Best Chef, South.

He also was nominated in the same category in 2020.