Three Hawaii food and beverage industry professionals are semifinalists for the 2013 James Beard Foundation Restaurant and Chef awards, revered in the industry.

Chuck Furuya, of DK Restaurants headquartered on Maui, has been nominated as Outstanding wine, spirits or beer professional; Ed Kenney, chef and owner of Town restaurant in Kaimuki is among the nominees for Best Chef: West (California and Hawaii), and Quinten Frye of Salt Kitchen & Tasting Bar, also in Kaimuki, is among the nominees for Rising Star Chef of the Year.

The James Beard Foundation will release its list of finalists in March and present its annual awards in May.