JBF Survey: Chefs Optimistic Despite Challenges

Chefs are expressing optimism and anticipate a return to “normal,” according to the 2022 James Beard Foundation Fall Industry Survey.

Rising food costs are the number one issue of concern for chefs heading into 2023, according to the survey, with 44 percent of respondents ranking it as their top worry. Rising labor costs, the inability to find staff to hire, and rising non-food costs (utilities, containers, furniture, etc.) clustered as the next three issues of concern, followed by supply chain issues around food items. Staff retention and supply chain issues around non-food items fell lower on the list.  

Modern Restaurant Management (MRM) magazine connected with Anne McBride, Vice President of Programs, James Beard Foundation, to gain additional insights into the findings. 

Did any results surprise you and, if so, what and why? The fall survey put data behind everything I had been hearing in conversations with chefs this year. That in and of itself is useful, for a variety…