For more than a decade, Dan the Baker has been doing something special in Columbus. From the Grandview-area Toast Bar, the bakery has built a loyal following for its crusty breads, flaky croissants, and the kind of baked goods that make you plan your morning around them.
Now, that consistency and care is getting national recognition again. Dan the Baker was named a 2026 James Beard Award semifinalist for Outstanding Bakery, marking the second year in a row the beloved Columbus spot has landed on the prestigious list.
This year, Dan the Baker is the only Columbus chef or restaurant to receive a James Beard nomination, putting the spotlight squarely on the city’s bread scene. The bakery first opened in 2013 and has been serving specialty loaves, buns, cookies, and pastries ever since, all from its cozy Ridge Street location.
The nomination is another reminder that Columbus continues to earn its place on the national food map. With recent nods from Condé Nast Traveler and Food & Wine, and ongoing efforts to champion local chefs, it is clear that the city’s culinary moment is still going strong.
James Beard Award finalists will be announced March 31, with winners celebrated in June in Chicago. For now, it is a well-deserved moment to toast one of Columbus’ most incredible bakeries.
