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.

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.