The James Beard Foundation

Fresh on the JBF blog: 2024 James Beard Award winners in the regional Best Chef categories presented by Capital One reflect on the significance of this incredible achievement. In regions across the country, these visionary chefs are showcasing their personal histories with flavors from Haiti to Vietnam to Peru; leading the way in emerging culinary destinations like Easton, Maryland and Mystic, Connecticut; and taking everyday actions to help support a more sustainable food system. Read on to learn more about the experiences that shaped their journeys to this year’s James Beard Awards? and the impact of this recognition. https://bit.ly/3ZVLlf4

The entry and recommendation period for the 2025 James Beard Awards? presented by Capital One is officially open! We’re looking for chefs, beverage experts, creators, and culinary and food system leaders who could be the next James Beard Award winners. Whether you published a cookbook in the last year, own a restaurant, or advocate for food system change, we encourage you to submit your entries and recommend your talented colleagues. The deadline to submit entries for the Media Awards and recommendations for the Restaurant and Chef Awards and our *new* Impact Awards is Friday, November 29 at 11:59 P.M. ET. Learn more about the 2025 Awards programs, including categories, criteria, and deadlines: https://bit.ly/4eJfK4j

This October, 17 chefs dedicated to advocacy, sustainability, and food system change will gather at Carnation Farms in Carnation, Washington for the 27th James Beard Foundation Chef Bootcamp for Policy and Change?. For 12 years, this program has trained and inspired culinary leaders from across the country to mobilize in support of policy decisions that impact our food system. Get to know the fantastic chef leaders that make up the fall 2024 Chef Bootcamp cohort!: https://bit.ly/3XL9L84

In our latest blog post, eight 2024 James Beard Award winners of the regional Best Chef presented by Capital One reflect on their proudest achievements and how they are making a difference in their communities across the country. From spotlighting Filipino flavors to championing sustainable seafood and local sourcing, these chefs are bringing their craft and dedication to the plate, their communities, and beyond, contributing to a restaurant industry where all can have the opportunity to thrive. Read the flavorful piece here: https://bit.ly/3BgaHtN

It is with mixed emotions that we share the news that after 17 incredible years at the James Beard Foundation, our highly respected President and COO Kristopher Moon will be departing for a new career opportunity to continue supporting the independent food and beverage industry. Since 2007, Kris has made a profound impact on the Foundation. From starting his JBF career managing events and operations at the historic Beard House, to his most recent major accomplishment, building and launching Platform by JBF in New York City which brings our mission of #GoodFoodforGood to life with exceptional culinary events and educational programming for food lovers from around the country. We wish Kris the very best in his new endeavor and look forward to his support of JBF in the future! ??

We’re proud to announce the next cohort of our Legacy Network presented by Kraft Heinz! Over the course of seven months, this accomplished group of fifteen advisors will each mentor one advisee as they navigate their emerging careers in the restaurant and beverage industry. This group will be joining a powerful network that centers the professional growth of historically underserved communities. Learn more about the 2024-25 Legacy Network cohort: https://bit.ly/4eDGyD9

Whether you are looking to turn an idea into operation or growing your existing business, our two-day financial literacy workshop aims to provide women and non-binary hospitality entrepreneurs at all career stages with the training to achieve your financial goals. Make smarter money moves—early bird tickets are available until November 10! Buy tickets and learn more: https://bit.ly/3MyDI62

We’re thrilled to share the profound impact Colossal Management, LLC has had on the James Beard Foundation through the Favorite Chef campaign, raising over $9.5M to date. This effort raises critical funds for our impact programs in support of our #GoodFoodforGood mission. We are immensely grateful for the support Colossal has given and look forward to a bright, continued partnership. And please join us in extending a big congratulations to the 2024 Favorite Chef winner Keyana Jadali!

We’re excited to announce the fall 2024 cohort of our Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership (WEL) program! This talented group of 20 women represent 15 states, collectively generate an average of $66.9M of business revenue, and employ a total of 951 people. ?? For ten weeks, the cohort will participate in a virtual program and extensive curriculum to refine and articulate their goals and vision for growth, develop long-term strategies to scale their business(es) and increase revenue, grow as a leader, and create a network of support with each other and the broader WEL community. Get to know the 2024 fall cohort: https://bit.ly/3Xutx8S

Black-owned businesses in the U.S. drive more than $200 billion in annual revenue and support more than three and a half million jobs—many of those in the food and beverage industry. That’s why the LEE Inititative, #JBFA 2024 Humanitarian of the Year, is partnering with Heinz and Southern Restaurants for Racial Justice to offer funding through the Black Kitchen Initiative. Restaurant owners can apply now through September 15 for the chance to receive $20,000 grants from Heinz. Learn more at https://bit.ly/3AMOF1y