CookUnity, the leading chef-to-consumer meal delivery platform, has announced a groundbreaking partnership with the James Beard Foundation (JBF), becoming the first-ever exclusive meal delivery partner for the Foundation’s prestigious Taste America culinary series. This strategic collaboration marks a major milestone for both organizations and aims to democratize access to high-caliber cuisine while empowering chefs with new avenues for creativity, income, and national exposure.
As the Exclusive Chef-Crafted Meal Partner, CookUnity will play an integral role in the Taste America series, which spans 20 cities across the United States from July 2025 through March 2026. The series celebrates local food culture and culinary innovation through events that feature talented chefs from across the country. Now, through this partnership, the James Beard Foundation and CookUnity will work together to bring the series’ mission to life in a more accessible, scalable, and inclusive format.
Redefining Culinary Access and Chef Empowerment
For many food lovers, experiencing the cuisine of a James Beard-affiliated chef typically requires traveling to a major metropolitan area and booking a coveted reservation. This new partnership changes that narrative. By collaborating with CookUnity, the James Beard Foundation is making award-winning cuisine more accessible than ever before—right at people’s doorsteps.
At the heart of this partnership lies a shared mission: to support a more resilient, inclusive, and future-ready culinary ecosystem. CookUnity’s platform enables chefs to build and grow their personal brands outside of the traditional restaurant model. On the platform, chefs craft dishes that are freshly prepared in state-of-the-art kitchens and delivered directly to consumers, offering an innovative, scalable way for chefs to expand their reach.
Through CookUnity, participating chefs can reach a nationwide customer base without the overhead and limitations of physical restaurants. The platform has become a powerful tool for culinary professionals seeking greater autonomy and financial sustainability. According to the company, chefs on the platform earn an average of $750,000 annually, with some top-performing chefs exceeding $5 million in annual earnings. This model not only supports creative freedom but also helps chefs turn their passion into a scalable business.
“This partnership is a transformational opportunity for chefs,” said Mateo Marietti, Founder and CEO of CookUnity. “At CookUnity, our mission is to reimagine how culinary talent can thrive in a modern food economy. The James Beard Foundation has long been a beacon for culinary excellence and innovation, and together we are opening up new possibilities for chefs to build meaningful careers beyond the walls of a restaurant.”
Official Launch at the 2025 James Beard Awards
The CookUnity-JBF partnership officially launched during the 2025 James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards, held on June 16 in Chicago. During the ceremony—often referred to as the “Oscars of the food world”—attendees had the unique opportunity to enjoy specially curated dishes prepared by celebrated chef Jose Garces, an Iron Chef and James Beard Award winner. Chef Garces, one of CookUnity’s highest-rated culinary talents, presented signature items that reflected both his creative flair and the platform’s commitment to quality and innovation.
This high-profile debut set the tone for the partnership’s ambitious goals, generating buzz among industry insiders, chefs, and food lovers alike. For the James Beard Foundation, the collaboration reinforces its ongoing efforts to evolve with the times and support chefs in new, sustainable ways.
“We are thrilled to welcome CookUnity to the James Beard Foundation family,” said Clare Reichenbach, CEO of the James Beard Foundation. “Their platform is redefining how chefs connect with consumers, offering a powerful new model for career diversification and sustainability. This aligns deeply with our mission to support a more resilient restaurant industry and a thriving food culture.”
Launching the Exclusive JBF Chef Collection
Later in 2025, CookUnity will unveil a special James Beard Foundation Chef Collection, featuring curated dishes created by Beard Award-winning chefs and other JBF-affiliated culinary innovators. This exclusive offering will showcase regional flavors, unique ingredients, and bold culinary styles, allowing consumers to experience the tastes and talents of top chefs from across the U.S.—all from the comfort of home.
The limited-time collection will be available exclusively on the CookUnity platform and promises to deliver a restaurant-quality experience that mirrors the creativity and craftsmanship found in James Beard Award-winning kitchens.
For consumers, this initiative means more than just convenience. It represents a chance to support culinary innovation and the chefs who are shaping the future of food. For the chefs involved, it’s a rare opportunity to share their creations with a larger, more diverse audience while maintaining full control over their menus and brand identity.
A Shared Vision for Culinary Innovation
The collaboration between CookUnity and the James Beard Foundation is more than a sponsorship—it’s a visionary alignment between two organizations committed to changing the way the food industry operates. The Foundation, known for its advocacy around sustainability, equity, and education in the culinary world, sees this partnership as a natural extension of its work to empower chefs and promote culinary excellence.
Likewise, CookUnity has built a reputation for disrupting the traditional food delivery space by prioritizing chef creativity, quality, and customer experience. Unlike standard meal kits or frozen dinners, CookUnity meals are handcrafted by real chefs, tailored to diverse palates, and delivered fresh with restaurant-level precision.
Together, the organizations aim to create a platform where chefs can thrive creatively and financially, and where consumers can enjoy elevated food experiences on demand. The partnership represents a meaningful shift in how culinary arts can be shared, appreciated, and sustained.
“This collaboration goes beyond food delivery,” said Marietti. “It’s about creating new pathways for chefs to connect with people and elevate everyday dining into something truly special.”
