The 86
Challenge
86 the Chaos. Own your story.
The 86
Challenge
86 the Chaos. Own your story.
The 86 Challenge dares the Food & Beverage world to hit the brakes on the toxic industry culture, ditch outdated norms, and make room for healthier habits.
Starting date 08/06/2025
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The 86
Challenge
Mise en place your life before the line
In the restaurant industry, “86” means removing an item from the menu because it’s no longer available. Now, it’s time to take the term out of the kitchen and apply it to real life—86ing burnout, toxic habits, and outdated industry culture to make space for something better.
The 86 Challenge is the industry’s first well-being movement, empowering chefs, cooks, bartenders, and food & beverage professionals to support, grow, and inspire one another. It’s about reclaiming control, fostering a healthier, stronger industry from within, and proving that collective action drives lasting change.
Join the challenge if you:
- Feel burned out & need a reset. The stress, pressure, and exhaustion of the industry have taken a toll –you’re ready for a change.
- Want to prioritize your well-being. After years of putting work first, you’re ready to build healthier habits and a more balanced lifestyle.
- Are already on a better path and looking for a like-minded community. You’ve found ways to take care of yourself in this industry and want to connect with others who share the same mindset.
- Are a leader who wants to set a better example. Whether you’re a chef, manager, or mentor, you want to help reshape the industry and support those around you.
- Believe in creating industry-wide change. Beyond personal well-being, you want to be part of a movement that challenges outdated habits and builds a stronger, healthier F&B community.
The 86
Challenge
Mise en place your life before the line
The 86
Challenge
Mise en place your life before the line
In kitchen slang, “86” means something is no longer available—it’s been taken off the menu. We’re taking that idea beyond the kitchen, 86ing burnout, toxic habits, and outdated industry beliefs to make space for something better.
The 86 Challenge is the industry’s first well-being challenge that creates a space for chefs and industry professionals to support, grow, and inspire each other. True change starts within.
Join the challenge if you:
- Feel burned out & need a reset. The stress, pressure, and exhaustion of the industry have taken a toll –you’re ready for a change.
- Want to prioritize your well-being. After years of putting work first, you’re ready to build healthier habits and a more balanced lifestyle.
- Are already on a better path and looking for a like-minded community. You’ve found ways to take care of yourself in this industry and want to connect with others who share the same mindset.
- Are a leader who wants to set a better example. Whether you’re a chef, manager, or mentor, you want to help reshape the industry and support those around you.
- Believe in creating industry-wide change. Beyond personal well-being, you want to be part of a movement that challenges outdated habits and builds a stronger, healthier F&B community.
Daily Rules
Respect yourself as much as you respect your customers
The Industry's first-ever worldwide well-being challenge is about to launch
Challenge Levels
Level 1
30 Days
Level 2
60 Days
Level 3
86 Days
Why Participate?
Your body hasn’t taken a real break in years—it’s been running on junk food, alcohol, drugs, or sheer exhaustion.
Your mind hasn’t had a moment of calm, weighed down by anxiety, constant pressure, and the feeling of burnout that makes you question if you can keep going.
You know there are things you need to confront internally, but you always put other priorities ahead of yourself.
You aspire to be a great chef and human, someone who inspires others. Deep down, you understand that true change starts within.
Who should participate?
- Anyone inspired by the challenge
- Hospitality Groups
- Independent Restaurants
- Food and Beverage Brands
- Hotels and Cruises
- Chefs, Line cooks
- Front of the House
Tips & FAQs
If 86 days feels too long, try 60 or 30 days—the key is committing to change.
If you slip on alcohol or drugs, we recommend you restart the challenge and ensure a proper reset. For other rules, a slip is okay—acknowledge it, learn from it, and move on.
You can, but you don’t have to. We encourage you to find friends or fellow chefs who are also on the challenge. Whether online or in person, a supportive community will help keep you accountable.
Let friends, family, and your kitchen team know you’re taking on this challenge. Surround yourself with those who support your decision and steer clear of negative influences comfortable doing it on your own.
Utilize apps and tools to track your progress—snap daily photos, log your activities, and set reminders. This journey is personal, so share only what you’re comfortable with.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What if I miss a day in the challenge?
One miss is okay, but two misses mean starting over. Don’t be hard on yourself!
2. Why are alcohol and artificial drugs prohibited,
and how can I substitute them when socializing?
They hinder both mental and physical progress. Consider substituting them with 0% alcohol drinks, Kava tea, and other relaxing herbal teas for socializing.
3. What happens if I don’t find time to exercise for 35 minutes?
Split it throughout the day: 15 minutes in the morning and 20 minutes at night, or even three shorter sessions, but start with a 10-15 minute routine.
4. How should I meditate if I have never done it before?
We have guided meditations on our website that you can follow until you feel comfortable doing it on your own.
5. What if I struggle to stay committed?
Get a buddy to join you and use tools like books, podcasts, or apps that keep you motivated.
Why Participate?
Social Media
700+ Inspiring stories from cooks around the world
100+ Infographics and visual content focus on
kitchen industry wellbeing
Event Presence
Bourdain Day – 3 years in a row
Smorgasburg collaboration
Foodbowl – F&B soccer tournament
Ink & Fire – Tattoos and grill
Improv Dinner
Headshot day
Organization Resources
Partners of 25+ organizations
Social Media
Inspiring stories from cooks around the world
Infographics and visual content focus on kitchen industry wellbeing
Organization Resources
Partners organizations
Event Presence
Bourdain Day’s
years in a row
Smorgasburg collaboration
Foodbowl – F&B soccer tournament
Ink & Fire – Tattoos and grill
Improv Dinner
Headshot day
Event Presence
Bourdain Day’s –
years in a row
Smorgasburg collaboration
Foodbowl – F&B soccer tournament
Ink & Fire – Tattoos and grill
Improv Dinner
Headshot day