Our congratulations to Chef Matthew Cooper, for his nomination as 2026 Best Chef: South by the James Beard Foundation (JBF). The JBF “believes in a vibrant, equitable, and sustainable independent restaurant industry that stands as a cornerstone of American culture, community, and economy — and drives towards a better food system.”
Cooper is the owner and chef of Conifer, in Bentonville, Arkansas, dedicated to gluten-free, farm-to-table cuisine featuring seasonal menus. This is his second nomination in this category of restaurants located in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi and Puerto Rico.
The James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony is Monday, June 15 at the Lyric Opera in Chicago, Illinois.