Bilings chef named James Beard finalist
Walkers Grill part of Montana's culinary growth
Walkers Grill in Billings is a culinary haven where innovation meets tradition.
Gullings has become a culinary icon in Billings. His journey from dropping out of college to pursue his passion for cooking to becoming one of the most in-demand chefs in town is inspiring.
Gullings' culinary style is a blend of creativity and precision, influenced by his experiences working with Michelin-starred chefs and his deep-rooted love for Montana's local ingredients.
Gullings' menu and execution of it have been recognized with three James Beard Award nominations, one of the highest honors in the culinary world. These nominations celebrate his commitment to excellence, sustainability, and creating a culture where all can thrive. His innovative approach to cooking and dedication to elevating the dining experience at Walkers Grill have set him apart in the industry.
"The nominations mean more to me as a chef than words can express," Gullings said. "It’s a culmination of the hard work that our team puts in night after night, and it shows that we're consistently at the top of our game and always pushing the boundaries of what food can be in Montana."
The James Beard Foundation is a nonprofit organization with a mission to lead chefs and the broader culinary industry toward a new standard of excellence.
The James Beard Foundation® recipients of its 2025 America's Classics Award were announced in February.
This year’s winners, found below and on the James Beard Foundation website, join the ranks of over 100 restaurants across the country that have received the Award since the category was introduced in 1998. They will be celebrated at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony on June 16 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.
“Independent restaurants play a crucial role in our local economies, and through the America’s Classics Award, we get to celebrate the remarkable establishments that have served as cherished pillars of culture, community, and good food for decades,” Clare Reichenbach, CEO, James Beard Foundation, said.
Gullings said being nominated as a semifinalist for the James Beard award is an honor in itself. "As for finding inspiration and passion, I’m so fortunate that I can find those things in the simplest form," he said. "Inspiration comes from just being around great food and more incredible people every single day.
"We push ourselves to light fires inside of ourselves and drive each other. My passion comes from people as well, but most of all, my family. My wife and my son are the reason I do what I do. They have always pushed me to be the best version of myself. I’m a very driven person by nature, and they just continue to fuel that."
