The James Beard Foundation will not present the remaining winners of its annual awards program at the upcoming ceremony on Friday, September 25. This choice comes as restaurants continue to suffer the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to a statement, the foundation believes that the assignment of awards will “do little to further the industry in its current uphill battle.”
However, the ceremony will still take place, broadcast live via Twitter from the host city of Chicago. But instead of announcing the winners, the ceremony will celebrate previous honorees in categories such as America’s Classics, Lifetime Achievement, Humanitarian of the Year, Design Icon, and Leadership Awards. “The broadcast will also shine a spotlight on many of the nominees and be a night of storytelling surrounding the historic challenges this community faces and how we can work together to rebuild a stronger and more equitable restaurant industry,” according to the statement.
The foundation has also decided to forgo the traditional award presentations in 2021 as well. Instead, the 2021 ceremony will celebrate the independent restaurant community and honor those who have made a significant impact on the industry and in their communities. At that time, the foundation will continue the analysis of the awards program with the goal of a transparent and equitable process in 2022 and beyond.
“We did not come to this decision lightly,” said James Beard Foundation CEO Clare Reichenbach, in a statement. “The uncertainty of this time for our industry is already a hard reality and considering anyone to have won or lost within the current tumultuous hospitality ecosystem does not in fact feel like the right thing to do. In short, an honor which we know is held in high regard, at the moment, feels minor when compared to the dire situation we are in. As we strive to provide an Awards program with the highest ethical standards, one that is fair, equitable, and reflective of the industry which we serve, we know that the right move is to step back and take stock of the nominees and honorees achievements. We hope to focus our collective energy on helping our community get through this crisis and on addressing the inequities in the industry going forward. We look forward to bringing the Awards back when the industry is once again ready for them.”
Related: James Beard Foundation Employees Demand Change; Foodservice Industry May Lose $300 Billion.
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