Bradley named finalist for James Beard Foundation's Best Chef in the Southeast

Sara Bradley, owner/proprietor of freight house restaurant in Paducah, has been named a 2025 James Beard Foundation Award Nominee for Best Chef: Southeast.

Sara is one of five nominees for Best Chef: Southeast, joined by fellow Kentuckian chef Noam Bilizter (MeeshMeesh Mediterranean, Louisville, KY) as well as Jake Howell (Peninsula, Nashville, TN), Silver Iocovozzi (Neng Jr.'s, Asheville, NC) and Robbie Robinson (City Limits Barbeque, West Columbia, SC).

The foundation announced the nominees Wednesday, following up on their previous semifinalist announcement in January. Ceremonies will be held in Chicago on June 16.

Meanwhile, Bradley is back on television for another Food Network competition show. Tune in to see Sara competing in her second round on Food Network's Tournament of Champions this Sunday at 7 p.m.