2026 Independent Restaurant Industry Report
Photo: Max Flatow
The James Beard Foundation 2026 Independent Restaurant Industry Report, created in collaboration with Deloitte, brings together insights from an extensive research study of hundreds of restaurant owners and professionals. The report highlights the state of the industry, emerging trends, and critical factors that the independent restaurant industry could leverage to thrive and create progress in the year ahead.
We are excited to announce that the research process for the 2026 report has begun, and we want you to make your voice heard! By sharing your experiences in the 2025 Industry Survey, you’ll directly contribute to next year's report and facilitate the development of our educational and advocacy programs.
Enter your email for a chance to win two (2) 2026 James Beard Award tickets! The survey will close Monday, November 3.
Note: All quotes and information collected through the Industry Survey and roundtables will be kept anonymous in the final report.
Participate in a Focus Group
As part of the research process, JBF and Deloitte are hosting roundtables around the country to gather deeper individual perspectives to inform the final report. These insights allow us to most accurately reflect the current business landscape of independent, chef-driven restaurants to drive awareness of the unique challenges of our industry. Sign up for a roundtable below.
Houston – October 8
Los Angeles – October 16
Washington, D.C. – October 24
Seattle – October 27
Miami – October 30
Chicago – November 3
Virtual – November 4
New York – November 11
Read the 2025 Report
Drawing from in-depth interviews with over 50 chefs and a nationwide survey of more than 350 restaurant leaders, our 2025 Independent Restaurant Industry Report, created in collaboration with Deloitte, sheds light on key trends shaping the industry and offers actionable insights that can help independent restaurants adapt, innovate, and thrive.