2025 Chef Action Summit
Sun, April 6, 2025
Registration On-Site Opens 4:00 PM
Renaissance Asheville Downtown
31 Woodfin Street
Asheville, NC 28801
Free Admission
$0
The 2025 Chef Action Summit is designed to equip chefs, restaurateurs, food system and industry leaders with the knowledge and tools to navigate the evolving political and economic landscape. The program features a series of keynotes, panels, and workshops covering critical topics such as the impact of climate change on the food industry, sustainable restaurant practices, and innovative business models. Attendees will hear from experts across the culinary, policy, and advocacy sectors on pressing legislative and operational priorities, including how to access state resources, support immigrant workers, and prepare for financial challenges in times of crisis.
The Summit also emphasizes advocacy and community-building, with dedicated sessions on planning effective campaigns, messaging, and storytelling to drive policy change. Chefs will have opportunities to develop strategies for engaging with policymakers and taking action at the local and state levels. Sessions will explore ways to foster a supportive workplace culture, redefine leadership in the restaurant industry, and build resilience against economic and environmental disruptions. The event concludes with hands-on group work, allowing participants to translate their insights into actionable solutions and develop a blueprint for local and state-based action.
This event is free to attend; attendees are responsible for their travel and accommodations. Book your room at the Renaissance Asheville Downtown under the JBF room block here.
Chefs and owners: members of your staff are welcome to attend with you. It is a great opportunity to expand the power of both your own voice and that of your team.
JBF reserves the right to decline registration of non-JBF program alumni if space becomes an issue. If you do not hear from us within five business days, your registration is good to go.
Event Details
Chef Action Summit
April 6-8, 2025
Asheville, NC
Registration and Programming (Sunday-Tuesday)
Renaissance Asheville Downtown Hotel
31 Woodfin Street, Asheville, NC
Grand Ballroom, Floor 1
Reception Night 1
Sunday, April 6th
6:00-8:00 P.M.
Highland Brewing Company
12 Old Charlotte Highway #200, Asheville, NC
Reception Night 2
Monday, April 7th
6:00-8:00 P.M.
Renaissance Asheville Downtown Hotel
31 Woodfin Street, Asheville, NC
Patio, Floor 1
Sunday, April 6
3:45-4:30 P.M. Registration
4:30-6:00 P.M Welcome + Keynote
6:00-8:00 P.M. Kickoff Reception
Monday, April 7
7:45-8:30 A.M. Breakfast
8:30 A.M. Programming Begins
12:30-1:30 P.M. Lunch + Networking
5:30 P.M. Programming Concludes
6:00-8:00 P.M. Reception
Tuesday, April 8
8:00-8:45 A.M. Breakfast
8:45 A.M. Programming Begins
1:30 P.M. Programming Concludes
1:30 P.M. Lunch, to grab and go on way to airport or enjoy on site
2025 program coming soon.
Confirmed Speakers:
Michael Amato, Founder, Amato Advisors
Nikki Marín Baena, Co-Director, Siembra NC
Katie Button, Executive Chef and CEO, Katie Button Restaurant Group
William Dissen, Executive Chef and Owner, The Market Place Restaurant
Karen Gasper, KSG Strategies
Patricia Griffin, Partner, NVG
Meherwan Irani, Executive Chef and Owner, Chai Pani Restaurant Group
Molly Irani, Co-Founder and Chief Hospitality Officer, Chai Pani Restaurant Group
Emma Jagoz, Founder, Moon Valley Farm
Cheetie Kumar, Chef and Owner, Ajja, Vice President and Board Member, Independent Restaurant Coalition
Anthony Myint, Executive Director, Zero Foodprint; Co-founder, Mission Street Food, Mission Chinese Food, The Perennial
Michele Nischan, Co-Founder and Chairman, Wholesome Wave
Ademola Oyefeso, International Vice President, Director of the Legislative and Political Action Department for United Food and Commercial Workers
Tara Scully, Director of Sustainability Minor Program, George Washington University
Ashleigh Shanti, Chef and Owner, Good Hot Fish
Alexandra Forter Sirota, Executive Director, NC Budget and Tax Center
Ellen Teller, Chief Government Affairs Officer, Food Research & Action Center (FRAC)
Asheville is easily accessible via several transportation options.
Book your room at the Renaissance Asheville Downtown under the JBF room block here by March 17.
The closest airport to downtown Asheville is Asheville Regional Airport (AVL), located about 15 minutes south of the city. From AVL, you can reach the Renaissance Asheville Downtown hotel by taxi, rideshare (Uber or Lyft), or rental car.
Alternatively, you can fly into Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), about two hours away, or Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP), about an hour and a half away. Both airports offer shuttle services, rental cars, and rideshare options to Asheville.
For those driving, Asheville is well-connected via I-40 and I-26.
Schedule
4:00-4:45 P.M. Registration at the Renaissance Asheville Downtown; 31 Woodfin Street, Asheville, NC
5:00-7:00 P.M. Kickoff Reception + Keynote
7:45-8:30 A.M. Breakfast
8:30 A.M. Programming Begins
12:30-1:30 P.M. Lunch + Networking
5:30 P.M. Programming Concludes
6:00-8:00 P.M. Reception
8:00-8:45 A.M. Breakfast
8:45 A.M. Programming Begins
1:30 P.M. Programming Concludes
1:30 P.M. Lunch, to grab and go on way to airport or enjoy on site