Single location full-service restaurants in the US are the 5th largest industry by employment and generate over $209 billion in revenue annually. Across the country, these operations are under threat of collapse because of the impact climate change is having on their day-to-day operations and supply chain. Because of extreme weather events that range from droughts and floods to rising temperatures and smoke-filled air, restaurants face increased closure, decreased foot traffic, and higher food costs.

The James Beard Foundation advocates for and designs programs that aim to make the independent restaurant industry more equitable, sustainable, and financially viable for all. In spring 2024, the Foundation launched its Climate Solutions for Restaurant Survival campaign, which unites chefs across the country to raise awareness, educate federal policy makers, and galvanize action to mitigate the impacts of climate change. The campaign is based on a report JBF published with the Global Food Institute at George Washington University that found that rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and shifts in agricultural patterns have all contributed to the rise in costs and operational challenges in recent years.

The Foundation seeks to collaborate with a team of Ross EMBAs to further examine the economic impact of climate change on restaurants and collect and analyze more data from chef-owners in a specific region of the country (to be determined together based on team interest/location, access to a critical mass of chef-owners, and marked climate change impact). Building a robust data-driven report on this economic impact is key to advocate for climate-smart solutions, both in legislation and operating practices. The final report and presentation should also include strategies for mitigating that economic impact.

Formulate a five year staged strategic plan to prioritize the highest value needs, plans, and programs to grow the operational capacity

Formulate a strategic plan and roadmap to create and scale two stand-alone, income-generating entrepreneurial businesses that offer personal and professional development service for girls and young women while feeding the surrounding villages.

Define a comprehensive US market assessment.

Provide recommendations to elevate fundraising and enhance outreach for the three-year strategic planning effort.

Provide a strategic assessment of where next to pursue organic growth - horizontal expansion focused by identifying related services vs. vertically focused within the core segments

Compile a detailed industrial profile for a dozen key industrial market segments.