James Galbraith, chef and owner of PostBoy in New Buffalo, has been named a 2026 James Beard Award semifinalist in the Best Chef: Great Lakes category, according to the official list released Wednesday by the James Beard Foundation.
Galbraith is among a select group of chefs from Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Ohio recognized on the prestigious longlist of semifinalists, which spotlights top culinary talent and highlights excellence in the restaurant industry across the United States.
The James Beard Awards are widely regarded as the highest honors in American food and hospitality, often described as the culinary world’s equivalent of the Oscars. Semifinalist status alone can significantly raise a chef’s national profile and bring attention to their restaurant.
PostBoy, known for its refined, ingredient-driven menu and commitment to local sourcing, will now be in contention for one of the Beard Awards if Galbraith advances to finalist status. Finalists will be announced March 31, and the winners will be revealed at a ceremony in Chicago on June 15.
Galbraith’s nomination reflects a growing recognition of Michigan’s culinary scene, which also includes other semifinalists this year in categories such as Best New Restaurant and Best New Bar.
The James Beard Foundation’s semifinalist announcement marks the first major step in the 2026 awards cycle, celebrating chefs, restaurateurs, authors and food professionals whose work has shaped American cuisine.
