Haddonfield Chef Named 2024 James Beard Semifinalist

HADDONFIELD, NJ — One year after bringing an American BYO restaurant to Haddonfield, Chef Dane DeMarco has been named a 2024 James Beard semifinalist.

DeMarco, who runs Gass & Main, was one of two New Jersey chefs nominated Wednesday for a James Beard Foundation Award. Sometimes known as the "Oscars of food," the awards are among the culinary industry's most prestigious.

• Read more: 3 NJ Restaurants, Chefs Named 2024 James Beard Semifinalists

Gass & Main's rotating menus combine seasonal flavors and sustainable ingredients. The name is an homage to the cross streets where DeMarco and their spouse met their wedding party, before tying the knot in Las Vegas.

DeMarco is one of 20 nominees in James Beard's "Best Chef" category for the Mid-Atlantic. Gass & Main congratulated them on the accomplishment.

"Huge congratulations to Chef Dane DeMarco on their James Beard nomination!" the restaurant's Facebook page says. "Your culinary expertise and passion have truly earned you this prestigious recognition. Wishing you the best of luck on this incredible journey. Cheers to your talent and dedication!"

The James Beard Foundation will announce finalists April 3 for the 2024 Restaurant and Chef Awards. Winners will be named at June 10's award ceremony in Chicago.

DeMarco, a Willingboro native, previously served as head chef for both Sonny's Cocktail Joint and Wine Dive in Philadelphia. They also owned BurgerTime in Audubon. The restaurant closed in October but developed a passionate fanbase through its creative burgers and hot dogs.

The James Beard Restaurant & Chef Awards celebrate excellence from a wide variety of eateries and experiences, from fine-dining establishments to casual gems, and emerging talents to established luminaries. The honors were established in 1990 and first awarded a year later.

This year marks the third since the organization made sweeping changes following a 2021 audit to address longstanding bias.

The outstanding chef category recognizes chefs who set "high culinary standards: and serve as a positive example for other food professionals, while making an impact on the broader community. The James Beard Foundation Awards also recognize restaurants, restaurateurs and writers.

Gass & Main is located at 7 Ellis St.