Philadelphia declines to pursue bid to host James Beard Awards

Philadelphia has decided against campaigning to host the James Beard Awards ceremony. The reason? The "Oscars of the food world" may not bring in enough hotel business for the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau to get behind a bid. The CVB told the Philadelphia Business Journal that the Beard Awards' host city requirements were not "fully aligned" with its event strategy. The Beard Foundation requires a city to commit at least $4 million in cash, sponsorships, and public sector investment in its first year hosting, with annual increases. The Fishtown Thai destination Kalaya was named outstanding restaurant in this year's Beard Awards, which were hosted in Chicago. (Photo by Jeff Schear/Getty Images for the James Beard Foundation)