Grandview Heights Bakery Named James Beard Semifinalist

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Dan the Baker, a Grandview Heights bakery at 1028 Ridge St., has been named a semifinalist for the 2026 James Beard Awards in the Outstanding Bakery category.

The James Beard Foundation has recognized culinary talent nationwide through its annual awards since 1991.

"We are honored to be named a James Beard semifinalist again this year - it's a huge deal," the bakery wrote in a Jan. 21 Facebook post, thanking its staff, patrons and suppliers.

Dan the Baker offers a variety of breads, including double sesame and olive polenta, as well as pastries such as almond croissants and dark chocolate rye truffle cookies. The menu also features sandwiches, including kimchi grilled cheese and Italian subs. Owner Dan Riesenberger has been baking professionally since 2007 and opened the Grandview Heights location in 2014.

The bakery was also a semifinalist for Outstanding Bakery in last year's James Beard Awards. That award went to JinJu Patisserie in Portland, Oregon. In 2025, two Columbus establishments were also recognized: Law Bird was a semifinalist for Outstanding Bar, and Avishar Barua of Agni was a semifinalist for Best Chef. Neither won their respective categories.

This year, Dan the Baker is the only central Ohio establishment to be named a semifinalist.

The James Beard Awards accept nominations from the public during an open call. Semifinalists are selected by an awards committee consisting of industry volunteers, food writers and regional judges. Finalists and winners are chosen by a separate panel of judges, including previous award winners.

Finalists will be announced online March 31. Winners will be named June 15 during a ceremony at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.