Two Greenville food and beverage professionals have earned national recognition as semifinalists in the 2026 James Beard Awards, one of the most prestigious honors in the American culinary world.
The James Beard Foundation unveiled its 2026 Restaurant and Chef Award semifinalists on January 21. Among the talent named were Chef Joe Cash of Scoundrel and Andrea Ciavardini-Royko of Jianna, both spotlighting Greenville’s growing reputation as a destination for serious dining.
Chef Joe Cash, whose French-American restaurant Scoundrel in downtown Greenville made waves last year with a coveted Michelin star, was named a semifinalist in the Best Chef: Southeast category. The award recognizes chefs across Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and West Virginia for exceptional culinary achievement.
Andrea Ciavardini-Royko, general manager of the acclaimed Italian restaurant Jianna, was selected as a semifinalist for Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service, a category honoring individuals who excel in elevating beverage programs through creativity, leadership and service.
Both Cash and Ciavardini-Royko now join a larger field of nominees who will advance toward the finalist round, with official finalists expected to be announced on March 31. Winners will be celebrated at an awards ceremony on June 15 at the Lyric Opera in Chicago.
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Greenville’s Culinary Talent on the National Stage
For Cash, the James Beard nod adds to a remarkable run of recognition. In November 2025, Scoundrel received a Michelin star — a rare accolade in the American South — drawing attention to Greenville’s vibrant restaurant scene as it continues to compete with larger culinary markets.
Cash will be among 20 semifinalists in the Best Chef: Southeast category, competing alongside other South Carolina chefs, including Colin Marcelli of Renzo in Charleston, Bintou N’Daw of Bintü Atelier in Charleston and Heidi Vukov of Hook & Barrel in Myrtle Beach.
Ciavardini-Royko stands out as the lone South Carolina nominee in the beverage service category, joining 19 other top professionals recognized for their contributions to beverage culture nationwide.
What This Means for Greenville
The James Beard Awards, often called the Oscars of the food world, honor the best in American restaurants, chefs and food professionals each year. Semifinalist status not only acknowledges individual excellence but also brings significant visibility to the communities these chefs represent.
For Greenville, the nominations underscore the city’s evolution from a regional hub to a nationally recognized culinary destination. Restaurants like Scoundrel and Jianna, known for their innovation and quality, help define the area’s distinct blend of Southern tradition and contemporary gastronomy.
As the restaurant industry awaits the final list of James Beard nominees in March, Greenville’s nominees reflect a dynamic and ambitious food culture — one rooted in local identity but resonant far beyond the Upstate.
