City Limits Barbeque Chef again named James Beard Awards nominee
April 2, 2025
West Columbia Chef Robbie Robinson of City Limits Barbeque has been named a 2025 James Beard Awards® nominee for the second consecutive year.
Robinson earned the recognition in the Best Chef: Southeast (GA, KY, NC, SC, TN, WV) category. Robinson is the only nominee in any category from South Carolina. Winners will be announced at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony on June 16 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.
“The continued recognition from the James Beard Foundation has elevated Columbia’s culinary scene onto the national stage,” said Experience Columbia SC President and CEO Bill Ellen. “With a growing list of semifinalists, nominees, and even a past winner, our region has solidified itself as a true foodie destination. We are especially thrilled to see Chef Robbie Robinson honored as a finalist for the second consecutive year and to celebrate City Limits Barbeque for receiving this well-deserved recognition. This spotlight further showcases the incredible talent and flavors our region has to offer.”
The Columbia region previously received recognition in 2023 for Chef Jessica Shillato in the Best Chef: Southeast category, Lula Drake in the Outstanding Hospitality category and CITY GRIT Hospitality Group (Aaron Hoskins, Sarah Simmons and Elie Yigo) in the Outstanding Restaurateur category. Last year’s recognitions included Chefs Kitwanda “Kiki” Cyrus and Tyrone Cyrus and Robinson in the Best Chef: Southeast category and Lula Drake in the Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program, which resulted in the first-ever win for Columbia, S.C.
This year marks the 35th anniversary of the James Beard Awards® which recognizes exceptional talent in the culinary and food media industries. The awards will be broadcast live on Eater. The complete list of nominees is available here.
About Experience Columbia SC
Experience Columbia SC is the region’s destination marketing organization. We’re responsible for all marketing efforts intended to help more visitors discover all that makes Columbia the real Southern hot spot. Think of us as the biggest cheerleader for the heart of South Carolina. For more information, please visit www.experiencecolumbiasc.com.
