Bryan Furman’s year has officially come full circle. In between there have been incredible highs and lows.
Last year-almost to the day-he was named a Semi-Finalist for a James Beard Award. America’s highest culinary honor.
Less than 2 weeks later, his Atlanta restaurant burned to the ground.
Wednesday morning, Bryan was once again named a Semi-Finalist for another Beard Award.
Since that whirlwind few weeks in 2019, Bryan and his wife Nikki have invested most of their time rebuilding their BBQ empire. In September of last year, the Furmans opened a retail BBQ space in a Kroger store near the Inman Park neighborhood of Atlanta.
Will there be another stand alone B’s Cracklin’ in Atlanta? “We are taking our time with that.” Bryan told us recently. Clearly there is no rush, providing BBQ during basketball season at State Farm Arena in Atlanta is keeping them plenty busy. Plus it has allowed Bryan to spend more time at their original location in Savannah.
Now comes a 2nd nod from the James Beard Foundation, which undoubtedly will be good for business. In the wake of last year’s acknowledgment, lines in Atlanta were down the street.
Winners of the 2020 James Beard Awards will be announced on Monday night, May 4th in Chicago.
Last year, The Grey’s Mashama Bailey was a Beard Award winner. According to JBF rules, the win makes her ineligible in the same category for a period of five years.
For a full list of semi-finalists, click here.
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