WBEZ13%
James Beard Awards opens nationwide search for its host city. Chicago plans to make its case 39%
By Erica Thompson6%
7/15/2026, 5:29:18 PM
BS Summary: This article contains 19 faulty reasoning types, including Status Quo Bias, Hasty Generalization, and Self-Serving Bias, with Appeal to Emotion as the most egregious example at 26.6% saturation with 171 hits. Analysis detected 1,086 faulty-reasoning hits from 642 analyzed words, generating a BS Score of 44.5% and a BS Rank of 39% (10,843 of 17,596 articles). This article is better (less manipulative) than 61.60% of the article peer group.
The James Beard Foundation has launched a nationwide search for the future destination of the James Beard Awards, leaving Chicago’s role as the host city in question.
The foundation announced Wednesday that it will allow U.S. cities to compete to present the prestigious culinary ceremony from 2029 to 2033.
The process begins with a "request for information" phase, open now through Aug. 7, and will be followed by a request for proposals.
Chicago, which has welcomed the awards since 2015, will serve as the destination through 2028.
The event is a point of pride for the culinary community.
"We're deeply grateful to Chicago for a remarkable partnership heading into our 12th year next year, and for helping the Awards grow into the joyous, multi-day celebration they are today,” Clare Reichenbach, CEO of the James Beard Foundation, said in a statement.
Crowds gather for the post-award reception at Union Station in 2026.
Manuel Martinez/WBEZ
“As we look ahead, we're excited to hear from destinations — including Chicago— ready to champion this vital industry, and who recognize the essential role independent restaurants play in shaping a thriving future for America's communities, economy, and culture."
In a statement to the Sun-Times, Choose Chicago and the Illinois Restaurant Association confirmed that Chicago will participate in the bidding process.
“As the Foundation looks toward the future, we believe no city is better positioned to continue that legacy than Chicago,” the statement said.
“Our culinary scene is unmatched in its depth, diversity, innovation and global influence.
It reflects the creativity, resilience, grit and entrepreneurial spirit that define the American restaurant industry, making Chicago an ideal stage to honor culinary excellence.”
Through its collaboration, the city and the foundation have “elevated the profile of America’s restaurant industry to a variety of audiences,” the statement also said.
An honoree displays a James Beard Award medal on the red carpet of the 2026 awards at the Lyric Opera House.
Manuel Martinez/WBEZ
“We value our longstanding partnership with the James Beard Foundation and are excited about the opportunity to continue evolving and growing together in the years ahead."
New York City has been the only other host for the James Beard Awards, which held its first ceremony in 1991.
Beyond recognizing the best chefs, restaurants and other culinary leaders, the awards are a boon to the Greater Chicago economy.
Held in June, the 2026 edition had a regional economic impact of $17 million, generating 175 full-time equivalent jobs and $1.2 million in state and local tax revenues, according to Tourism Economics, an Oxford Economics Company.
Sam Toia, president of the Illinois Restaurant Association, also praised Chicago’s approach to curating programming around the event, which draws the country’s top chefs and a host of celebrities.
The city remains a competitive option as a destination, he said in an interview with WBEZ/Sun-Times on the red carpet at the 2026 ceremony, held at the Lyric Opera House.
“Obviously we'll come to the table and we'll talk,” he said.
“We did, like, 41 events over the weekend.
I'm not sure the Houstons or the New Orleans or the San Franciscos know how to put on a party like we do here in Chicago.
So, I think that will be the selling point to keep the James Beard Awards here in the culinary capital of United States: Chicago.”
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