News Summary
Derek Wagner, executive chef and owner of Nicks On Broadway in Providence, has been nominated for the Best Chef: Northeast award at the 2025 James Beard Awards. This acknowledgment reflects his commitment to quality food and sustainability, emphasizing local sourcing with at least 85% of ingredients coming from local providers. Wagner’s dedication to fostering a casual yet inclusive dining atmosphere has helped elevate the culinary scene in Providence, which has seen multiple nominations this year, showcasing its potential in the culinary world.
Providence, RI
Derek Wagner, the executive chef and owner of Nicks On Broadway in Providence, has been nominated for the Best Chef: Northeast award at the prestigious 2025 James Beard Awards. This recognition highlights his commitment to quality food and sustainability in the restaurant industry, with the ceremony set to occur on June 16, 2025, at the Lyric Opera in Chicago.
Wagner has dedicated 23 years to cultivating Nicks On Broadway into a cornerstone of the Providence dining scene, sourcing at least 85% of his ingredients from local providers. This commitment to local sourcing not only supports local farmers but also enhances the quality of the restaurant’s offerings. Nicks On Broadway is also known for its inclusive and casual atmosphere, a refreshing departure from traditional fine dining establishments.
His nomination for the James Beard Award comes amidst a significant year for Providence’s culinary scene, which saw four of its restaurants nominated, including Oberlin, NIMKI, and Gift Horse. A total of eight Rhode Island eateries were recognized as semifinalists, marking an unprecedented number for the state and showcasing its growing reputation in the culinary world.
Career and Philosophy
After graduating from Johnson & Wales University, Wagner initially aspired to leave Providence but ultimately returned to open his restaurant in 2001. This decision flourished into a deep sense of pride in the local culinary scene, which he believes can compete with larger metropolitan areas. Wagner has previously appeared on the James Beard Best Chef: Northeast shortlist in 2016, 2017, and 2020, indicating his long-standing commitment to excellence in the culinary arts.
Alongside his emphasis on local sourcing, Wagner has an unwavering focus on sustainability. He sources meat directly from local farms and practices butchering techniques in-house to reduce waste. By utilizing seasonal produce, he adapts menu items to align with what is available from local farmers, further fostering sustainability within the community.
Work Culture and Community Engagement
Wagner is also committed to promoting a positive work culture at Nicks On Broadway. He prioritizes learning opportunities for his employees and provides support to ensure a healthy work environment, acknowledging the inherent stresses of restaurant work. This dedication fosters a sense of community and collaboration among his staff, reinforcing the values of sustainability not only in sourcing but in relationships within the culinary landscape.
His excitement for the recent James Beard nomination reflects the hard work and dedication not just of himself, but also of his team. The nomination has come as a pleasant surprise at a time when the fast-paced nature of restaurant work often distracts chefs from acknowledging their accomplishments. Wagner considers the award a validation of both his efforts and the potential of Rhode Island’s culinary talent.
Other Notable Finalists
In addition to Wagner’s nomination, Nikhil Naiker of NIMKI has been recognized as a finalist for the Emerging Chef category. With four chefs from Rhode Island nominated for the Best Chef: Northeast award, the future looks promising for the state’s culinary community.
As the culinary landscape continues to evolve, Derek Wagner’s recognition at the 2025 James Beard Awards not only highlights individual achievement but also emphasizes the growth and potential of Rhode Island as a prominent food destination.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Providence Restaurant Nominated for James Beard Award
Additional Resources
- Patch: Providence James Beard Nominated Restaurant
- RI Monthly: Rhode Island JBF Semifinalists
- GoLocalProv: James Beard Foundation Names 3 in Rhode Island
- Providence Journal: James Beard Awards Advance
- NBC Connecticut: CT Chef Nominee for James Beard Award
- Wikipedia: James Beard Awards
- Google Search: James Beard Awards 2025
- Google Scholar: James Beard Awards
- Encyclopedia Britannica: James Beard Award
- Google News: James Beard Awards
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
