Mississippi Chefs Named 2026 James Beard Award Semi Finalists for Best Chef: South
JACKSON, Miss. — Two of Mississippi’s celebrated culinary talents—Hunter Evans of Elvie’s in Jackson and Austin Sumrall of White Pillars in Biloxi—have been named semifinalists for the 2026 Jame Beard Award for Best Chef: South, announced today by the James Beard Foundation. The Best Chef: South category includes Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi and Puerto Rico.
The James Beard Awards represent the crème de la crème of national culinary recognition. Since their establishment in 1990, the Restaurant and Chef Awards have elevated the nation’s most distinguished restaurant and bar professionals, shaping the landscape of American cuisine. This year’s semifinalists join a constellation of James Beard–recognized leaders who exemplify the diversity and excellence of culinary arts across the United States. The 2026 Restaurant and Chef Award nominees will be announced Tuesday, March 31, and winners will be honored June 15, 2026, at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.
Hunter Evans, Elvie’s — Jackson, Mississippi
A Jackson native, Chef Hunter Evans has earned acclaim for his modern Southern-French cuisine at Elvie’s, located in the historic Belhaven neighborhood. This marks Evans’ fourth consecutive year as a James Beard semifinalist for Best Chef: South.
Evans trained at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, and honed his craft in esteemed kitchens including Le Bernardin, Café Boulud and Daniel before returning home in 2015. He opened Elvie’s in 2020 as a tribute to his grandmother whose New Orleans cooking inspired both his palate and the restaurant’s mission.
Under Evans’ leadership, Elvie’s has earned national recognition, including placement on The New York Times’ “Top 50 Favorite Restaurants of 2022.” His commitment to local farmers and seasonal Mississippi ingredients has made Elvie’s a standout destination for visitors seeking elevated, sense-of-place dining.
In addition to Elvie’s, Evans has expanded his culinary footprint by restoring and reopening Jackson’s historic Mayflower Café, underscoring his dedication to preserving the city’s food heritage.
Austin Sumrall, White Pillars — Biloxi, Mississippi
Chef Austin Sumrall, owner of the award-winning White Pillars in Biloxi, celebrates his third James Beard semifinalist recognition for Best Chef: South. A McComb native, Sumrall studied at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park before building a career with multiple James Beard Award–winning chefs.
Since opening White Pillars in 2017 with his wife and business partner, Tresse, Sumrall has been celebrated nationally for his Gulf Coast–driven, farm-to-table cuisine. His accolades include being crowned “King of American Seafood” after winning the 2021 Great American Seafood Cook-Off in New Orleans.
White Pillars showcases the abundance of Mississippi’s coastal producers and artisans through seasonally driven dishes, house-made ingredients, and a deep commitment to local sourcing. Sumrall’s cuisine and philosophy have garnered national media attention, with features in Garden & Gun, Food & Wine, and Eater.
Celebrating Mississippi’s Culinary Excellence
“Mississippi’s food culture is rooted in rich traditions, bold creativity, and the unmistakable hospitality of our people,” said Rochelle Hicks, Director of Visit Mississippi. “We are proud to see chefs like Hunter Evans and Austin Sumrall recognized on the national stage for elevating local ingredients and telling Mississippi’s story through their craft.”
The full list of 2026 James Beard Restaurant and Chef Award semifinalists is available through the James Beard Foundation here.
For more information about Mississippi’s culinary destinations, visit VisitMississippi.org.
Media Contact:
Katie Coats
Chief Marketing Officer
KCoats@mississippi.org
601-359-3035 (O)
228-357-4086 (C)
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About Visit Mississippi
Celebrated as the Hospitality State and proudly known as the Birthplace of America’s Music, Mississippi invites visitors to experience a rich tapestry of culture, history and unforgettable adventures. From the soulful sounds of the Delta to the serene beauty of the Gulf Coast and Appalachian foothills, Mississippi is a destination where every journey tells a story.
Visit Mississippi, a division of the Mississippi Development Authority, serves as the state’s official destination marketing organization. As storytellers and cultural ambassadors, we champion Mississippi through strategic global marketing, innovative partnerships, and creative collaboration. Our mission is to elevate the state’s thriving tourism economy and inspire visitors from around the world to discover the magic that is Mississippi.
Learn more at visitmississippi.org.
