The Serving Spoon, LA area eatery, is now one of America's Classics
The Serving Spoon, LA area eatery, is now one of America's Classics
Paris Barraza, USA TODAYThu, February 26, 2026 at 7:46 PM UTC
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An Inglewood institution that’s been serving the community for decades was awarded one of the highest honors in the culinary industry, a James Beard Foundation Award.
The Serving Spoon has been passed down several generations and serves up soul food fare at a non-fussy spot in Los Angeles County. It was one of six recipients of the America’s Classics Award on Feb. 25, a prestigious recognition that more than 100 restaurants nationwide share since the award’s inception nearly three decades ago, according to the James Beard Foundation.
“These are adored neighborhood establishments, pillars of their communities, that have stood the test of time through incredible food and a deep commitment to the people they serve,” Clare Reichenbach, CEO of the James Beard Foundation, said in a statement.
Owned by Justin Johnson and Jessica Bane, the “family-owned” and “community-loved” restaurant dates back to 1983 when it was founded by their grandfather, Harold E. Sparks.
The Serving Spoon was one of six recipients of the James Beard America’s Classics Award on Feb. 25, 2026. The restaurant has been serving the Inglewood community in Southern California for several decades.
A clip from Fox 11 Los Angeles captures the moment diners learned about the win, prompting cheers at the restaurant off Centinela Avenue. The Serving Spoon serves breakfast staples like pancakes and omelets, to catfish and macaroni and cheese, and it’s open all week.
“Our Classics embody what American food culture is all about and testify to the impact that restaurants and their teams have in our communities — from local economies, to a sense of place and the moments where we mark milestones in our lives,” Dawn Padmore of the James Beard Foundation said in a statement.
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Other recipients for the America’s Classics Award for 2026 include places in Philadelphia, Omaha, Nebreska, Kingston, New York, Wheeling, West Virginia, and Las Vegas.
Meet the SoCal semifinalists for these James Beard Foundation Awards
The James Beard Foundation Award semifinalists for its Restaurant and Chef Awards, including categories such as emerging chef and outstanding bakery, were unveiled in January. The nominees will be announced on March 31. Until then, catch up with all the semifinalists — an achievement in itself — located in Southern California.
1 / 0Feast your eyes on mouth-watering food from USA TODAY's top restaurantsGazpacho is poured into a bowl nestled into a bed of dry ice at Veritas in downtown Columbus.Outstanding Restauranteur -
Holly Fox and Adam Weisblatt, Last Word Hospitality (Found Oyster, Rasarumah, and The Copper Room), Los Angeles, CA
Outstanding Chef -
Gilberto Cetina, Holbox, Los Angeles, CA
Niki Nakayama, n/naka, Los Angeles, CA
Outstanding Restaurant presented by Acqua Panna Natural Spring Water -
Antico Nuovo, Los Angeles, CA
Emerging Chef presented by S.Pellegrino Sparkling Natural Mineral Water -
Fátima Juárez, Komal, Los Angeles, CA
José Olmedo Carles Rojas, Si! Mon, Venice, CA
Best New Restaurant -
Ki, Los Angeles, CA
RVR, Venice, CA
Outstanding Bakery -
Gusto Bread, Long Beach, CA
Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker -
Hannah Ziskin, Quarter Sheets, Los Angeles, CA
Outstanding Hospitality -
Ammatoli, Long Beach, CA
Providence, Los Angeles, CA
Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program -
Caruso's, Montecito, CA
Kato, Los Angeles, CA
Outstanding Bar -
Realm of the 52 Remedies, San Diego, CA
Best New Bar -
Daisy, Los Angeles, CA
Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service -
Jack Benchakul, Endorffeine, Los Angeles, CA
Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service -
Jason Lee, Darling, Los Angeles, CA
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Best Chef: Southern California semifinalists -
Dave Beran, Seline, Santa Monica, CA
Eric Bost, Lilo, Carlsbad, CA
Brian Dunsmoor, Dunsmoor, Los Angeles, CA
Sarah Hymanson and Sara Kramer, Kismet, Los Angeles, CA
Tara Monsod, Animae, San Diego, CA
Andrew Muñoz and Michelle Muñoz, Moo's Craft Barbecue, Los Angeles, CA
Charles Namba, Camélia, Los Angeles, CA
Viet Nguyen, Nep Cafe, Fountain Valley, CA
Kwang Uh, Baroo, Los Angeles, CA
Daisy Ryan, Bell's, Los Alamos, CA
USA TODAY Network editor Susan Stapleton contributed to this story.
Paris Barraza is a reporter covering Los Angeles and Southern California for the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at pbarraza@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: The Serving Spoon, LA area staple, earns prestigious James Beard award
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