The 86 Challenge

86 DAYS OF ZERO EXCUSES

The 86 Challenge dares the culinary world to hit the brakes on
the toxic kitchen culture, ditch outdated norms, and make
room for healthier habits.

JOIN THE CHALLENGE

The Challenge Starts in

00Days
00Hours
00Minutes
00Seconds

The 86 Challenge

86 DAYS OF ZERO EXCUSES

The 86 Challenge is here to transform the kitchen industry by tackling the pressures and habits that have shaped it for decades. Inspired by the term “86” from kitchen slang, this initiative is a call to replace outdated mentalities with healthier, more sustainable approaches.

We’re creating a movement for well-being in the culinary world. Through practical resources and social media engagement, the 86 Challenge supports kitchen workers in rethinking their habits—whether it’s how they think, live, or drink.

Join us in reshaping the kitchen culture for a healthier, more
balanced future.

Daily rules

• No alcohol
• No artificial drugs
• 35-Minute daily workout
• Daily Journaling
• 15-minute Meditation
• 20-Minute family meal

Become an Industry Partner

• Be a part of the challenge
• Share the challenge in your social media
• Promote the challenge in work environment
• Share it with industry Colleagues
• Be featured in our board of Industry partners

86 Days of 0 Excuses

The Industry's first-ever worldwide social challenge is about to launch

The 86 Challenge dares the culinary world to hit the brakes on the toxic kitchen culture, ditch outdated norms, and make room for healthier habits to combat the rising health challenges.

Challenge Levels

Well done

30 Days

Medium

60 Days

Rare

86 Days

Why you should 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.

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.

Who You Should Participate

• Hospitality Groups
• Independent Restaurants
• Food and Beverage Brands
• Hotels and Cruises
• Chefs, Line cooks
• Front of the House

OUR WORK TODAY

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