Choose Chicago announced on March 31 that the James Beard Awards ceremonies will continue to be held in Chicago through 2028. The announcement was made during the ceremony revealing the nominees for the 2026 Restaurant and Chef Awards, as well as honorees for several achievement awards.
The continuation of these events is significant for Chicago’s culinary scene, which has hosted the prestigious awards since 2015. The James Beard Awards are widely regarded as one of the highest honors in American food culture, recognizing excellence since their inception in 1990.
Governor JB Pritzker said, “Illinois hosts one of the most dynamic and diverse food scenes in the world, with a growing number of restaurants and chefs using their culinary skills to cultivate community and bring international interest to the table. The James Beard Awards showcase this rich talent on a global stage, and we are grateful that they will continue to call Chicago home and remain in our great state through 2028.”
Mayor Brandon Johnson said, “Chicago is one of the world’s great culinary cities, and we are honored to continue hosting the James Beard Awards through 2028. Our restaurants, chefs, and hospitality workers represent the creativity, diversity, and entrepreneurial spirit that define our city. Events like the James Beard Awards bring global attention to Chicago’s neighborhoods, support local businesses, and celebrate the people who make our food scene so special. As the city which celebrated the most James Beard semifinalists last year, I cannot think of a better choice than Chicago to host this incredible event.”
Kristen Reynolds, President and CEO of Choose Chicago said: “Chicago is proud to continue our partnership with the James Beard Foundation by hosting the awards through 2028. This extension is a recognition of Chicago’s extraordinary culinary community and the chefs, restaurateurs, and hospitality professionals who make our city one of the great food destinations in the world. Chicago is Never Done. Never Outdone., and our culinary scene reflects that spirit every day—constantly evolving, innovating, and setting the standard for excellence.”
Clare Reichenbach, CEO of The James Beard Foundation added: “We’re thrilled that Chicago will continue to be home of The James Beard Award ceremonies through 2028. The city’s incredible independent restaurant community; diverse food culture; central location make it well positioned to host a celebration at this scale… We’re proud extend partnership with Choose Chicago & keep building an Award weekend uniting national food community one America’s great culinary cities.”
Sam Toia President & CEO Illinois Restaurant Association stated: “As proud host…excited remain [Awards] here thru ’28.” He further remarked on how city’s hospitality sector continues set standards nationally.
Annual programming includes Media Awards (June13), Impact (June14), culminating Restaurant/Chef (June15) at Lyric Opera—with after party Union Station—all reinforcing deep ties between event & locale.
Over more than decade hosting these ceremonies—and now extended further—Chicago has seen over fifty prior honorees recognized by foundation including recent winners Noah Sandoval (Best Chef: Great Lakes), Kumiko (Outstanding Bar), Lem’s Bar-B-Q (America’s Classics).
Tickets go on sale starting March31st at1:30pm ET for main award night; Media tickets available May6th.
