Industry Events

The James Beard Foundation aims to help the restaurant industry and its workers thrive long-term by providing resources that push for new industry standards.

The James Beard Foundation's Industry Support work aims to help the restaurant industry and its workers thrive long-term by providing resources that push for new industry standards. Industry Support events are focused on turning restaurant jobs into long and healthy careers by addressing industry-wide gaps, from mental health to professional development, and expanding who receives access to leadership, visibility, financial stability, and capital. This page features our in-person panels and workshops. You can find virtual events here. These events serve to educate and support chefs, restaurant owners and workers, and other culinary leaders towards a more equitable and sustainable future.

 

We Are What We Eat Event Series 

Restaurants are central to our lives—they're where we laugh, where we celebrate, where we have serious conversations, where we share intimate secrets. Behind each of these special places are the people who dreamed them up and made them come to life. 

We Are Where We Eat is a new live event series in partnership with LAist that will go behind the scenes of some of L.A.’s favorite restaurants with the city’s most-celebrated chefs and owners to find out more about how they’re making it all work.

 

Wednesday, May 22, 2024
7:00-8:30 P.M. P.T.
The Crawford 
474 S. Raymond Ave.
Pasadena, CA 91105 
Preferred $20, Pay What You Choose
 
We Are What We Eat - How Restaurants Make a Neighborhood

First up, we'll dig into how restaurants make a neighborhood. Independent restaurants have a unique impact on their neighborhoods, from people they employ to the foods they source to the space they provide to the community. How is that expressed here in Los Angeles? Join LAist host Austin Cross (he/him) and special guests Andrew Muñoz of Moo's Craft Barbecue and Gilberto Cetina of Holbox to hear how owners of vital neighborhood gathering spots have made their homes in communities around L.A. 

We'll have something tasty for everyone to try as well, from Bridgetown Roti and Little Fish. 

Get your tickets here!
 
Thursday, July 18, 2024
7:00-8:30 P.M. P.T.
The Crawford 
474 S. Raymond Ave.
Pasadena, CA 91105 
Preferred $20, Pay What You Choose
 
We Are What We Eat - The Cost of the Climate Emergency

The climate emergency affects restaurants in many aspects of their operations, from rising food costs to fewer customers showing up to eat. As extreme weather becomes ever more frequest, how are restaurants in L.A. coping? From changing their menus to collaborating even more closely with their farmer suppliers. LAist science reporter Jacob Margolis (he/him) and special guests will uncover stories of hope and innovation to define a new reality. 

 

Thursday, September 19, 2024
7:00-8:30 P.M. P.T
The Crawford 
474 S. Raymond Ave.
Pasadena, CA 91105 
Preferred $20, Pay What You Choose
 
We Are What We Eat - The Women Who Make LA Delicious 
Women are behind every element of some of your favorite restaurants, from business and creative decisions to cooking on the line. Join LAist host Julia Paskin (she/her) as she goes behind the scenes with some of the women running kitchens across Los Angeles. They’ll share their stories, what inspires them, and what challenges still remain for women in the restaurant industry. 

 

 

Winter Wellness Series

From long working hours to high-stress, high-intensity work environments, it is no wonder that industry owners and workers regularly feel like they are operating in survival mode. When restaurant success is centered on providing guests with the best food and service, wellness tends to be put on the back burner. 

In our inaugural Winter Wellness Series, these virtual sessions were be hosted by wellness experts and chef-owners who covered strategies for physical health in the kitchen, eating for wellness, herbalism, mental health, and implementing wellness programs in your restaurants. Start the new year taking care of yourself holistically, leading yourself and your employees towards a happier, healthier, and more sustainable industry.

Watch the recordings below! 

Stretching for Strength: Preventing and Treating Industry Body Pains 

Food as Fuel: Eating for Wellness

Herbalism 101: Nature's Guide to Well-being

Mind Does Matter: Managing Your Mental Health

Bringing it Home: How to Implement Wellness Practices in Your Restaurant