The James Beard Foundation

"Tariffs aren’t just issues for economists or politicians—they’re disrupting what ends up on your plate, who prepares it, and whether that restaurant you love will still be there next month." - Clare Reichenbach, CEO of the James Beard Foundation In a new opinion piece for Civil Eats, our CEO Clare Reichenbach outlines the economic challenges the proposed tariffs under the Trump administration present for the independent restaurant industry. Read the full piece: https://brnw.ch/21wRM2a

Congratulations to the 2025 Restaurant and Chef Award Nominees, as well as our Impact, Lifetime Achievement, and Humanitarian of the Year Award honorees! View the full list: https://lnkd.in/e3bHDmUX Ready to celebrate? Tickets to the 2025 James Beard Awards presented by Capital One in Chicago will be available today at 3:00 P.M. ET.

"I was looking for a community that not only understood the challenges I faced in the industry but could also help me overcome them. My mentor helped me recognize the value of the experience I already had and pushed me to grow professionally in ways I had been seeking, offering the challenges I was looking for." - Camille Williams, 2024-25 Legacy Network advisee The JBF Legacy Network presented by Heinz is a mentorship program that trains emerging leaders across the culinary industry and connects them with future generations of excellence. In our latest blog post, four program participants reflect on the impact of the meaningful connections, guidance, and support they have gained over the past seven months as part of this unique community. In support of the current cohort, program sponsor and Sonoma-based winery The Calling designed new educational modules and provided a selected advisee with a fellowship comprising mentorship and in-person experiences. Read the full blog post to learn how this program has supported emerging industry leaders in following their own calling: https://brnw.ch/21wRvmR (📸: Jeremy Hughes)

Strong mentorship can transform careers in the restaurant industry, providing guidance that shapes not just skills but entire professional journeys. Our Legacy Network program presented by Kraft Heinz Away From Home US creates greater access to the hands-on support and community that help emerging leaders reach their ambitions. Check out Legacy Network alum Geoff Kie’s experience during his one-week stage with James Beard Award nominee® Crystal Wahpepah at Wahpepah’s Kitchen in Oakland. Watch here: https://brnw.ch/21wRgfI

Our Legacy Network program presented by Kraft Heinz Away From Home US supports emerging POC culinary leaders by providing mentorship and training opportunities that aim to advance the equitable, culturally relevant leadership required to strengthen the industry. Legacy Network alum Jared Thomas had the opportunity to stage with James Beard Award winner® Erick Williams at Virtue in Chicago, gaining invaluable hands-on experience and insights to help get to the next stage in his career. Watch to learn more: https://lnkd.in/e8SsRhER

We amplify and recognize, educate and train those committed to creating a restaurant industry where all have the opportunity to thrive. Our Legacy Network program presented by Kraft Heinz Away From Home US brings this mission to life by providing the resources to train industry leaders and connect them with future generations of excellence. Through this seven-month mentorship program, participants grow their professional networks, receive peer support, and develop pathways to achieve their career goals. To help create more access to hands-on learning opportunities, Heinz provided three JBF Legacy Network advisees week-long stages with James Beard Award–recognized chefs across the country. Watch to hear about advisee Medegine Guillaume’s experience stage-ing with James Beard Award nominee® Fariyal Abdullahi at Hav & Mar: https://lnkd.in/edrc6mZF

We’re serving up a new look! Introducing the new https://lnkd.in/d98gfViU. ✨ A digital destination for both diners and industry professionals alike, our website showcases our vision for a vibrant, equitable, and sustainable independent restaurant industry that stands as a cornerstone of American culture, community, and economy—and drives towards a better food system. Explore the new site!: https://brnw.ch/21wR0fx

Let's go girls ✨🤠 Starting this Saturday, March 1, we're hosting an incredible lineup of events highlighting women in food at —from collaborative dinners with award-winning chefs to a series of free events for women in the industry. ➡️ 🎟️ Swipe through to view the schedule and buy tickets now!: https://brnw.ch/21wR01r

Congratulations to the six winners of the 2025 James Beard America’s Classics Award presented by Kraft Heinz! Since 1998, this Restaurant and Chef category of the James Beard Awards® presented by Capital One has recognized locally owned restaurants that have timeless appeal, and are beloved in their region for food that reflects the character and cultural traditions of their community. Swipe to view this year’s winners who will join the ranks of over 100 restaurants across the country and visit our website to learn more: https://brnw.ch/21wQY3j

Independent restaurants enter 2025 at a pivotal moment, as the industry confronts multiple challenges and adapts to an increasingly complex operating environment that extends well beyond the lingering effects of the pandemic. To get a comprehensive look at the current state and the future of the industry, we're excited to bring you the 2025 Independent Restaurant Industry Report, in collaboration with Deloitte. This research draws insights from 350+ restaurant owners and professionals, examining everything from rising costs and labor dynamics to changing consumer preferences. 💡 Want to know where the industry is headed? Read the full report and explore the data-driven insights that will help restaurants navigate and thrive in 2025: https://brnw.ch/21wQVew