Each of the chefs featured in our new national Chef of the Year category made news in a major way. But their most recent projects are just one part of their story. [Image: https://platform.eater.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/10/EA-BNR-2026-lockup.png?quality=90&strip=all] This year we celebrate five chefs who are making an impact both on the city where they cook and on the larger culinary conversation.