The James Beard Foundation

We're thrilled to announce the 2026 cohort of our Women's Entrepreneurial Leadership (WEL) program! This cohort of 21 women collectively own 34 businesses across 14 states, generated over $90.2M revenue in 2025, employs more than 770 people, and serves close to 1.9 million covers a year. 🤯 Starting this September, this group will spend eleven weeks sharpening their vision for growth, strengthening their operations, and building a lasting network of support. WEL is a flagship initiative of the JBF Institute, providing advanced training and community for the leaders shaping the future of independent restaurants. 🔗 Learn more about the program and get to know this cohort: https://brnw.ch/21x4ZNS

More cities, more chefs, and more chances to celebrate the restaurants at the heart of our communities. 🍽️❤️ Our Taste America culinary series presented by American Express and Resy is bringing exciting walk-around tastings and intimate dinners to 11 cities this fall. 🎟️ View the full schedule and buy tickets before they're gone!: https://brnw.ch/21x4sZ1

Since 1991, the James Beard Awards® have recognized the chefs, restaurants, and food leaders shaping American food culture. Now, the James Beard Foundation is opening the search for the Awards' next host destination—and your city could be it. Hosting represents a major opportunity to drive tourism, elevate your region's food and hospitality brand, and gain national recognition. Submit your RFI by August 7, 2026 to be considered: https://brnw.ch/21x49y8

Independent restaurant operators are facing a technology landscape that's more crowded, more expensive, and more interconnected than ever—and it's not always clear where to invest. Our new blog shares 10 tips to help independent restaurant owners and operators figure out where they actually stand, and what to do next. 🔗 Read it now: https://brnw.ch/21x42td

As a part of Seat the Table, a coalition of restaurant, hotel, and agricultural leaders from all 50 states, we believe it is our responsibility to advocate for our industry and the immigrant owners and workers who sustain it. We are deeply concerned about the impending termination of Temporary Protected Status* for Haiti and Syria. Hundreds of thousands of immigrants with deep roots in communities nationwide—including chefs, restaurateurs, waiters, and other vital roles—will become undocumented overnight. Help us tell Congress to create work permits for the hard working immigrants who make the meals you love possible. Read the full statement and become a lead signatory: https://brnw.ch/21x411O *Temporary Protected Status (TPS) allows foreign nationals to legally reside and work in the U.S. if returning to their home country is unsafe.

Congratulations to the 2026 James Beard Restaurant and Chef Award winners! We’re honored to celebrate every winner, honoree, and nominee for their talent, innovation, and dedication to their local communities and the independent restaurant industry nationwide. View the full list of winners: https://brnw.ch/21x3naJ

TONIGHT: Stream the 2026 James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards presented by American Express and Resy live on Bon Appetit at 5:30P.M. CT. Catch all the delicious action here: https://brnw.ch/21x3mwn

The 2026 James Beard Impact Award honorees represent some of the most important work happening in food and hospitality, from advocacy and policy to systemic change. Inaugurated in 2025, the Impact Awards exist to elevate the people pushing for a more equitable, sustainable, and economically viable food system. Learn more about this year’s honorees: https://brnw.ch/21x3lfz

Congratulations to the 2026 James Beard Media Award winners! From books to broadcast to journalism, these winners have brought the world of food and drink to life for audiences everywhere. View the full list of winners: https://brnw.ch/21x3krR

The biggest weekend in food is here! Whether you’re in Chicago or plan to tune into one of our livestreams to root for your hometown hero, we’ve got a jam-packed weekend for you. See what we’re cooking up this weekend and visit our website to join in on the action: https://brnw.ch/21x3iCj