“Dude, yeah, I’m so happy, I can’t even,” Bognar said. “I just want to go to the restaurant already and tell everybody.”

Indo, in Botanical Heights, is a modern Asian restaurant that includes an a la carte menu and a multiple-course omakase experience. He is also the executive chef of Nippon Tei, the restaurant his mother, Ann Bognar, opened near Ballwin.

Though Bognar didn’t win the award last year, he said the nomination put him on the map.

“After that, we were steady busy at all locations,” he said. “That’s great. People here in St. Louis are proud there’s something to show off, and say, ‘Hey, this is as cool as someplace else around the country.’

“I just want to keep adding to the scene as much as I can.”

This is Nalic’s first time as a semifinalist for Best Chef: Midwest. Luo and Mendica have now been semifinalists three times and Gallina twice.

Loryn and Edo Nalic opened the Webster Groves storefront location of the food truck Balkan Treat Box about a year ago.