The James Beard Foundation was saddened to hear that Sam Beall, proprietor of the multiple James Beard Award–winning Blackberry Farm and great friend and supporter of the James Beard Foundation, died yesterday at the age of 39. “Sam Beall was a visionary in more ways than one,” said Mitchell Davis, executive vice president of the James Beard Foundation. “He not only redefined the meaning of hospitality at his James Beard Award–winning Blackberry Farm—believed by many to be one of the best resorts in the world—but he also understood the importance of and strongly advocated for a more sustainable, wholesome food system. With Sam’s support and participation we created a pilot for the Foundation’s Chefs Boot Camp for Policy and Change. His loss will be felt around the world and forever.” Our thoughts are with Sam's wife, Mary-Celeste, the couples' five children, and the entire Beall family.
