Inglewood's Serving Spoon Wins 2026 James Beard America's Classics Award

The family-owned restaurant has served as a vital social and cultural anchor for the Black community in Los Angeles for over 40 years.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The Serving Spoon, a family-owned restaurant in Inglewood, California, has been recognized with the 2026 James Beard America's Classics Award, celebrating independently owned restaurants that have served delicious food across many years. The restaurant, known as "The Spoon" by locals, has been a staple in the community since 1983, offering Southern-style fare and becoming a vital social and cultural hub for the Black community in Los Angeles.

Why it matters

The Serving Spoon's recognition by the prestigious James Beard Foundation highlights the importance of independent, community-driven restaurants that preserve cultural traditions and serve as anchors for their local neighborhoods. In a time of increasing corporate consolidation in the food industry, the Serving Spoon's longevity and continued success as a family-owned business underscores the value of small, locally-rooted establishments.

The details

The Serving Spoon was founded in 1983 by Harold E. Sparks. In 2004, his daughter Angela and her husband J.C. Johnson took over the business, and now their grandchildren, Justin Johnson and Jessica Bane, run the restaurant. The menu features a variety of Southern-style dishes, including catfish filets, fried chicken wings, waffles, pancakes, cornbread, and creamy grits, as well as daily specials like oxtails on Wednesdays and shrimp and grits on weekends.

  • The Serving Spoon was founded in 1983.
  • Angela Sparks and J.C. Johnson took over the business in 2004.
  • The Serving Spoon was recognized with the 2026 James Beard America's Classics Award.

The players

The Serving Spoon

A family-owned restaurant in Inglewood, California that has served as a vital social and cultural anchor for the Black community in Los Angeles for over 40 years.

Harold E. Sparks

The founder of The Serving Spoon, which he opened in 1983.

Angela Sparks

The daughter of Harold E. Sparks, who took over ownership of The Serving Spoon in 2004 with her husband J.C. Johnson.

J.C. Johnson

The husband of Angela Sparks, who took over ownership of The Serving Spoon in 2004 with his wife.

Justin Johnson

The grandson of Harold E. Sparks, who now runs The Serving Spoon with his sister Jessica Bane.

Jessica Bane

The granddaughter of Harold E. Sparks, who now runs The Serving Spoon with her brother Justin Johnson.

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What they’re saying

“This is for Inglewood! This is for our Grandfather, our parents, our team and everyone that had a hand in this special place called The Serving Spoon! We are truly grateful and we can't wait to see you!”

— The Serving Spoon (Instagram)

The takeaway

The Serving Spoon's recognition by the prestigious James Beard Foundation underscores the enduring value of independent, community-driven restaurants that preserve cultural traditions and serve as anchors for their local neighborhoods. In an era of increasing corporate consolidation, the Serving Spoon's longevity and continued success as a family-owned business highlights the importance of supporting small, locally-rooted establishments that contribute to the fabric of their communities.