City Limits Barbeque Chef again named James Beard Awards semifinalist

January 22, 2025

West Columbia Chef Robbie Robinson of City Limits Barbeque has been named a 2025 James Beard Awards® semifinalist for the second consecutive year.

Robinson earned the semifinalist nod in the Best Chef Southeast (GA, KY, NC, SC, TN, WV) category. Nominees will be announced on April 2, and winners will be announced at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony on June 16 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.

Photo: City Limits Barbeque website.

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.

“Simply receiving attention from the James Beard Foundation speaks volumes about the level of culinary talent located in our region. To have a roster of former semifinalists, finalists and a winner in addition to our current recognition moves us closer to being considered a foodie destination,” said Experience Columbia SC President and CEO Bill Ellen. “We are proud of all our past recognized chefs and establishments, and we are excited for City Limits Barbeque to receive this coveted attention, as well. Let’s all do our part keep these chefs and restaurants in our region by continuing to show them our support.”

2025 marks the 35th anniversary of the James Beard Awards® which recognizes exceptional talent in the culinary and food media industries. The 2025 Restaurant and Chef Award semifinalists are recognized across 25 categories.

The complete list of semifinalists 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.