The James Beard Foundation will not announce any more winners for its prestigious food industry awards in 2020 and is canceling the 2021 awards.
The New York-based nonprofit’s decision was made in light of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and its potentially devastating consequences for the hospitality industry.
The Independent Restaurant Coalition, formed earlier this year to advocate for targeted federal financial assistance for the restaurant industry, estimates that up to 85% of independent restaurants are at risk of closing due to the pandemic’s impact on their operations.
“In short, an honor which we know is held in high regard, at the moment, feels minor when compared to the dire situation we are in,” explained Clare Reichenbach, the foundation’s CEO, in a statement. She added, “We look forward to bringing the Awards back when the industry is once again ready for them.”
Read more from the Phoenix Business Journal.
