The Hives Chef McClure a James Beard Semifinalist Second Year in a Row

The James Beard Foundation of New York City on Feb. 18 announced semifinalists for its annual culinary awards, and The Hive’s Matthew McClure is up for best chef in the South for the second consecutive year.

McClure is among 20 semifinalists from throughout the region and is the only one from Arkansas in the category.

Finalists will be announced March 25, and the winners will be recognized at an awards gala and reception at the Lyric Opera in Chicago on May 4.

About 34,000 entries were submitted from throughout the country, vying for recognition in 21 categories, according to a press release from the foundation. 

The James Beard Foundation Awards, for which this year marks the 25th anniversary, are widely seen as the American culinary industry’s highest recognition and are known as the “Academy Awards of food.”

 “As an Arkansas native, I am excited to bring further recognition to the fantastic ingredients and producers in Arkansas, as well as to the up-and-coming culinary scene,” McClure said. “I’m also very proud of the team that we’ve put together at The Hive. They are true professionals and I appreciate their hard work and dedication.”

McClure studied under noted Boston chef Barbara Lynch and worked under Lee Richardson at The Capital Hotel in Little Rock before taking on his role at The Hive, located in the 21c Museum Hotel in downtown Bentonville.

The Hive menu focuses on upscale, regional cuisine.