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Help Save Good Food. For Good.

Independent restaurants are anchors in our communities. Whether it’s your brunch go-to or a special occasion gem, independent restaurants not only make diners feel taken care of, but they create jobs, foster cultural conversations, fuel the economy, and support local food systems. Without independent restaurants, we lose more than just a memorable meal.

Culture

Independent restaurants give diners the opportunity to experience culinary excellence and to discover the diverse traditions, cultures, and family heritage at the heart of the stories behind the dish.

Jobs

They provide local employment opportunities, support farmers and small businesses, and reinvest dining dollars back into their communities.

Community

These cherished third spaces are where we socialize with friends and family, cultivate fellowship with our neighbors, and make new connections.

Without independent restaurants, we lose the culinary excellence, innovation, passion, and voices of the people who continue to push American food culture forward. We lose businesses, workers, and wages. We lose vital gathering places to connect with one another and to celebrate moments big and small.

Today, it’s more challenging than ever for chef/owners, as they navigate obstacles like rising costs, labor shortages, and climate change. It's why the James Beard Foundation believes in Good Food For Good®, our guiding principle for building a more resilient independent restaurant industry.

This giving season, please make a tax-deductible donation to the James Beard Foundation’s industry- and community-focused programs. Your valuable contributions help us save Good Food. For Good.