The LEE 2024 Goals for Growth

M. Frances

Coming Soon!

Five years ago, we embarked on a journey when we formed The LEE Initiative to lead with kindness, help workers in need, promote diversity and equity, and believe that the impossible is possible. We are always looking ahead to learn, evolve, and be a resource for the people who make up our incredible independent restaurant industry.

We are excited to soon announce the next chapter of The LEE Initiative – a think tank, research and non-profit restaurant based in Washington D.C. We will implement policies and practices that will demonstrate what the future of sustainable restaurants can look like, addressing issues as far ranging as labor practices, climate change, sustainability, innovation, and diversity. We will take a new approach to fine-dining – minimal plastic waste, no gas lines, and a woman led collaborative leadership model– while maintaining a level of high quality, to create luxury with social responsibility. The restaurant will partner with a university-backed research program, and our data/findings will be published open source for anyone to access and use. In doing so, we want to give back to our community by sharing data that is needed to ensure that we collectively progress in this industry. It is our love letter to the people who have worked so hard to make our restaurant culture the best it can be.