Community Connections at the James Beard Awards
The Pre Shift Lounge in Chicago, created in partnership with Square, served as a vibrant community hub for chefs and industry professionals before the James Beard Awards.
Recently, the culinary community gathered at the Pre Shift Lounge in Chicago, a special event held before the prestigious James Beard Awards. This initiative was made possible through a partnership with Square.
The Pre Shift Lounge was designed as a community hub, providing a welcoming space for chefs and others in the restaurant industry to connect and share ideas.
Attendees had the opportunity to network and engage with one another, fostering relationships that are vital to the culinary world.
Updates
Update at 18:13 UTC on 2026-07-01
Eater reported Recently, we partnered with Square for a special Pre Shift Lounge in Chicago before the James Beard Awards. The Pre Shift Lounge is a community hub. We wanted to offer a space for chefs and others in the restaurant industry to connect with.
Sources: Eater