The James Beard Foundation has opened a national RFI/RFP to find the next host city for its multi-day awards, though Chicago will remain host through 2027 (its 12th year). Cities that want to host the 2029–2033 cycle must submit formal bids; candidates advancing past the initial stage will be notified by mid-August, with a final decision expected early next year. This year’s awards cycle generated more than 7,300 media mentions, nearly 140 billion impressions and an estimated $17 million in total economic impact for Chicago.
James Beard Awards May Leave Chicago: Foundation Opens Nationwide Search for Next Host City
The Lyric Opera in Chicago has served as a glamorous backdrop to the event since 2015. Photo courtesy of the James Beard Foundation
The James Beard Foundation has launched a national search for the next home of its multi-day awards ceremony, though Chicago will continue to host through 2027. The foundation said it has opened a formal Request for Information (RFI) and Request for Proposal (RFP) process to evaluate candidate cities for future ceremonies.
What Happens Next
Chicago will remain the awards' host for two more editions; the 2027 ceremony will mark the foundation's 12th year in the Windy City. If Chicago hopes to retain the event for the 2029–2033 cycle, city officials must submit a formal bid through the RFI/RFP process. Destinations that advance past the initial screening will be notified by mid-August, and the foundation expects to name a final host by early next year.
About The Awards
First staged in 1991, the James Beard Awards—often called the "Oscars of the food world"—were held in New York City for 23 years before moving to Chicago. The multi-day ceremony highlights independent restaurants, chefs and food journalists through separate segments such as the Media and Impact Awards and the Restaurant and Chef Awards, which draw wide media attention and red-carpet coverage.
Economic And Media Impact
The foundation says recognition from the awards often produces a business boost for nominees, and hosting the event benefits the local economy. This year’s awards cycle generated more than 7,300 pieces of media coverage and nearly 140 billion impressions as of June 25. Tourism Economics estimated the ceremony produced about $8.3 million in direct spending in Chicago—counting the foundation’s event costs and off-site spending by non-local attendees—resulting in roughly $17 million in total economic impact, supporting an estimated 175 full-time jobs and contributing approximately $1.2 million in state and local tax revenue.
"The James Beard Awards weekend is the biggest moment of the year in American food — a celebration unlike any other, bringing together the entire independent restaurant community to honor the creativity, innovation, and leadership shaping our nation's food culture," said Clare Reichenbach, James Beard Foundation CEO. "We're deeply grateful to Chicago for a remarkable partnership heading into our 12th year next year... As we look ahead, we're excited to hear from destinations — including Chicago — ready to champion this vital industry."
As the foundation opens the bidding process, cities interested in hosting should prepare proposals that demonstrate support for independent restaurants, capacity to accommodate media and industry attendees, and plans to maximize the awards' cultural and economic benefits.
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