Jamie Powers’ bakery earns James Beard recognition
Jamie Powers likes to joke that her shop is essentially powered by butter. There’s certainly some truth to that, as DeLuxe Bakery carefully crafts all sorts of butter-boosted treats, but beyond the pastries, the real ingredients fueling the Iowa City bakery’s successful two-decade-plus run aren’t ones you eat or mix. They’re ones you feel: Passion, community, philanthropy, empathy and a whole lot of love.
And while you could certainly say that was intentional in the business plan, a better word would probably be instinctual — an innate byproduct of Jamie’s DNA thanks to her background, upbringing and overall character. It’s Iowa Nice sprinkled with Lebanese heritage plus a heaping scoop of human kindness. Those ingredients — plus a few more, including copious amounts of butter — are key reasons that DeLuxe and Jamie were honored as a semifinalist in the 2026 James Beard Awards for Outstanding Bakery.
“I’m so proud of the bakery,” Jamie said while a bit misty-eyed and holding back emotion. And as the lone baker represented among Iowa’s groundbreaking five semifinalist nods in 2026, Jamie modestly admitted she feels “really proud to be represented” in general with the James Beard Awards, but especially among her fellow Iowa nominees.
“It’s very rare that one person is nominated in the state of Iowa, let alone five. It’s very exciting.”…