Mar 31, 2026 - Food and Drink

Rocca's Bryce Bonsack named James Beard finalist

Kathryn Varn

Photo illustration of a place setting shaped like a skull and crossbones containing a photo of Bryce Bonsack. — Photo illustration: Axios Visuals. Photos: Courtesy of Rocca.

Chef Bryce Bonsack broke Tampa Bay's years-long drought of James Beard Awards recognition when he was named a semifinalist in January.

Why it matters: On Tuesday, he took the Oscars for the American hospitality industry to the next level:

Bonsack, the owner of Michelin-starred Italian restaurant Rocca, was named a finalist in the Best Chef: South category.

State of play: That makes Bonsack eligible to win the entire category during the awards ceremony June 15 in Chicago.

He'll compete against Maria La Mota and Chason Spencer of Jacksonville's Chancho King, an Ecuadorian-inspired diner.
The South region covers Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi and Puerto Rico. Two chefs from New Orleans and one from Rogers, Ark., rounded out the category.

Zoom out: Bonsack, La Mota and Spencer were the only Sunshine State names to make the finalist cut.

Lakeland's Born & Bread Bakehouse, named a semifinalist for "Outstanding Bakery" in January, didn't make it to the next level.

Flashback: Bern's Steakhouse has the region's only Beard Awards, winning in 1992 for Outstanding Wine Service and 2016 for Outstanding Wine Program.

What's next: Tastes Pretty Good, the restaurant group for which Bonsack works as culinary director, is set to open several new concepts this year.

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Rocca's Bryce Bonsack named James Beard finalist

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