The restaurant industry's long-standing culture of burnout is being actively challenged by the 86 Challenge, a free wellness initiative from Humans of the Kitchen. Launching August 6, the program encourages hospitality professionals to adopt healthier daily habits over 27, 54, or 86 days, effectively "86-ing" unhealthy routines. Co-founders Beto Ortiz and Juan Junca developed the initiative after recognizing widespread exhaustion and substance use as normalized issues. Unlike typical wellness programs, it's specifically tailored for the industry's demanding hours, emphasizing community support, exercise, meditation, and mindful eating. With participation expected to exceed 5,000 globally, the 86 Challenge demonstrates that employee well-being is crucial for business success, impacting everything from food quality to profitability.
Amber Love Bond is a Freelance Writer at various esteemed publications. She specializes in themes related to food and beverages, hospitality and leisure, and the food industry, with a particular focus on beverage production, drinks and spirits, and restaurant innovation. Amber's work has been featured in Men's Health Australia, Thrillist, Yahoo News, and many other prominent outlets.