Endorsed Business Accreditation.
The EBA programme has been WAMC's flagship recognition for restaurants and culinary businesses since 1991. 312 endorsed businesses across 28 countries hold the mark today.
A standard, not a star.
EBA accreditation recognises that a culinary business operates to WAMC's standards of craft, integrity, training, and hospitality. It is awarded to the business — not the chef — and travels with the establishment, not the person.
The EBA is not a ranking. There are no tiers, no stars, no league table. A business is either endorsed or it isn't. Endorsed businesses display the EBA mark in their entrance and on their menus, and may use the post-nominal "WAMC-EBA" in their materials.
Accreditation lasts three years, after which it must be renewed through reassessment.
What we look for.
Craft & consistency
A signature dish prepared three times across two days to demonstrate consistency. The kitchen brigade walked through under live service.
Sourcing & honesty
Suppliers verified, menu descriptions matched to what's served, provenance claims traced. A short audit of three randomly chosen menu items.
Training & succession
How the kitchen develops its junior staff. Apprentice programmes, internal training, the next generation in the brigade.
Hospitality & guest care
Service standards, allergen handling, complaint resolution. A guest-experience walkthrough conducted anonymously by the assessment team.
Working conditions
Kitchen hours, breaks, mental health provision, treatment of junior staff. The trade has changed; the EBA reflects what is now expected of a healthy kitchen.
The pathway, step by step.
-
1
Expression of interest
A short form from the business owner or head chef. We will write back within ten working days with feedback and, if the business looks ready, an invitation to apply.
-
2
Sponsorship
Two existing WAMC members must sponsor the application. One must have visited the business as a paying guest within the previous year. Chapter introductions are available where you don't know any members yet.
-
3
Self-assessment
A short questionnaire covering each of the five standards, completed by the business. This shapes the on-site visit. Most businesses take 2–4 hours over this.
-
4
On-site assessment
A two-day visit by a pair of accredited assessors, including one anonymous guest visit and one formal kitchen walkthrough. Costs covered by application fee.
-
5
Panel review
Assessors present their findings to the EBA panel — five senior members, none from the applicant's chapter. The panel decides: endorsed, deferred (with specific feedback), or declined.
-
6
Investiture
Successful businesses are invested at the next regional ceremony. The EBA mark and certificate are presented by the Regional Director.
Ready to start?
An expression of interest takes ten minutes and commits you to nothing. We'll write back with honest feedback on whether your business is ready.