Wichita's growing culinary scene is earning national recognition once again. FioRito Ristorante owners and brothers Jordan and Jason Rickard have been named 2026 James Beard Award semifinalists for Best Chef: Midwest, marking the second consecutive year a Wichita restaurant has appeared among the prestigious James Beard semifinalists. Housed in a thoughtfully restored former gas station in the Douglas Design District, FioRito has become known for its contemporary Italian cuisine, house-made pasta and bread, and inventive approach to fine dining. Read more about the nomination and what it means for Wichita's food scene in this Wichita Eagle article.