For the first time, an Oklahoma restaurant has made the prestigious list of James Beard award winners.Florence’s Restaurant in northeast Oklahoma City is one of six recipients of the James Beard Foundation Award for 2022. The awards go to locally-owned restaurants with high-quality food that reflect the character of their communities. Some say winning the award is like winning the Oscars of food. “I went to the phone and all I remember is them saying this is the James Beard Foundation in Chicago, and I think I just went blank, almost,” said Victoria Kemp, daughter of owner Florence. Florence’s Restaurant is a soul food spot with 70 years of history, and a James Beard award as well. “I would’ve expected, you know, you’re a finalist or something like that, but when she said you’re a winner, you’re a winner, I almost fell over,” Victoria Kemp said.The James Beard Foundation recognizes and highlights restaurants across the United States for great food and the culture behind it. “Everything we cook is the way my grandparents did it when they lived on a farm in rural Boley, Oklahoma,” Victoria Kemp said. The family-owned concept was started in 1952. “My friend told me I opened it with two chickens and a prayer,” Florence Kemp said. But she couldn’t do it alone.“She didn’t believe anything was possible, so every time I tried to get in a huddle and I’d say, ‘OK, this is what we’re gonna do next,’ and she’d say, ‘You’re crazy,’” Victoria Kemp said.This same motivation garnered them national attention.“I never dreamed of a James Beard award,” Victoria Kemp said.In June, the mother-daughter duo will fly to Chicago to receive the award.“I’m really excited and happy. Thought nothing like this would ever happen,” Florence Kemp said.