MARFA — Local barbecue restaurant Convenience West has moved to the final stage of nominations for a prestigious restaurant industry accolade with the April 3 announcement that it is a finalist for the James Beard Outstanding Restaurant Award. Five restaurants from across the country were named as finalists in that category.
“When we opened in 2017, none of us could have imagined this is where we’d be today, we’re feeling grateful, amazed and proud,” said owner-operator Mark Scott. “We’ve worked hard to stay as consistent as possible over the years, and the hard work is paying off!”
Winners in all categories will be celebrated at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony on June 10, 2024, at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. The online magazine Eater will live stream the ceremony.
Owner-operators of Convenience West are Mark Scott, Kaki Aufdengarten-Scott and Katy Rose Elsasser. Convenience West has previously been named to Texas Monthly’s Top 25 and Top 50 barbecue restaurants since its opening. Scott extended heartfelt appreciation for the local community for their support over the years and said the trio is looking forward to the awards ceremony in Chicago this summer.
“At the core of Convenience West, we care the most for our little Far West Texas community and the people who live here,” Scott said. “We would not be here, planning a trip to walk the red carpet in Chicago if it wasn’t for all of the people who darken our doorway every weekend.”
Cochineal Chef and Owner Alexandra Gates of Marfa was nominated in the Best Chef Texas category and made it to the semifinals in January.
The James Beard Foundation is a nonprofit “with a mission to celebrate, support, and elevate the people behind America’s food culture and champion a standard of good food anchored in talent, equity, and sustainability.” The foundation began its annual awards in 1991.
