Uploaded February 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 hour ago

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Watch the recording of the 2026 Independent Restaurant Industry Report launch. The James Beard Foundation 2026 Independent Restaurant Industry Report, created in collaboration with Deloitte, provides a comprehensive analysis of the independent restaurant landscape. It synthesizes insights from a survey of over 380 independent restaurant owners, chefs, and operators across 47 U.S. states, as well as conversations with more than 40 chefs across the country. Discover the current state of the industry, emerging trends, and critical strategies that restaurants can use to thrive in 2026 and beyond.