Third time’s a charm! Charlotte’s Greg Collier advances as James Beard Awards finalist
Twice-nominated James Beard Foundation semifinalist Greg Collier gets to add another notch to his belt — the Charlotte chef has been named a finalist by the prestigious award group.
Greg and Subrina Collier are Charlotte’s power couple behind Bayhaven Restaurant Group, which owns Leah & Louise and Uptown Yolk, and is opening four new restaurants at Camp North End. Collier was featured in CharlotteFive’s The Skillet, and the couple recently appeared live on Good Morning America.
The news was first reported by Unpretentious Palate. Editor Kristen Wile explains why a new James Beard Awards structure could benefit Charlotte chefs.
Collier was nominated in 2020 for Best Chef: Southeast for his work with Uptown Yolk and in 2019 as Best Chef: Southeast at the now-closed Loft & Cellar.
“Being the first chef in Charlotte to reach the finals is an honor,” Collier said. “This just goes to show how much work Subrina and I have put in and further adds to the notion that Charlotte is and has been a great food city. Representing our family, our culture, our heritage, and Charlotte is the most rewarding part of our career.”
Winners will be named in June 13 at a ceremony in Chicago. Other local nominees have included Joe Kindred of Kindred and milkbread in Davidson.
In 2019, Paul Verica’s The Stanley was nominated in the Best New Restaurant category. Verica was also a semifinalist for Best Chef: Southeast in 2016.
The James Beard Foundation is a nonprofit that hosts annual awards to recognize culinary professionals throughout the United States. The awards honor chefs, restaurateurs, authors and journalists.
This story was originally published February 23, 2022 at 12:21 PM.
