Hastings Cameron, founder of Imaginary Factory on Madison’s east side, has progressed to the finalist round of the 2026 James Beard Awards. He is nominated for Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service.
The Beard Awards are among the highest honors for chefs, restaurateurs and beverage professionals. Cameron’s company in this category includes Kevin Diedrich from Pacific Cocktail Haven in San Francisco, Ivy Mix from Whoopsie Daisy in Brooklyn, New York, Nicky Fas from Pantera in Puerto Rico and McClain Hedges and Mary Allison Wright from Yacht Club in Denver.
Cameron founded Imaginary Factory in 2021. The business is part bar, part micro-distillery, a spot for inventive fat-washed cocktails, liqueurs made in house and creative riffs on classics…