What comes to mind when you hear “women’s place in the kitchen”?
If you’re living in the 21st century, probably nothing positive. What is fascinating, however, is the “traditional” focus on women as homemakers—pillars of hospitality— when the food service world is so often dominated by men.
The Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts reported in 2024 that in the restaurant industry, 53% of establishments are majority-owned by men, and only 34% are majority-owned by women (the other 13% where women have equal ownership). The industry is male-owned, predominantly male-staffed, and represented in culinary media by a well-traveled, masculine, rock-star chef archetype (ala Anthony Bourdain, Bobby Flay, Guy Fieri, etc.) In such a field, women have to fight harder to reach the same professional milestones, which is only exacerbated by an overwhelming competitive environment.
“Even though we’re always surrounded by people, this industry can feel very isolating. Our schedules don’t line up with the rest of the world, and there isn’t much downtime. On top of that, it is very competitive.” That’s Arshiya Farheen, Executive Chef and Owner of Verzênay Chicago, an upscale Indian inspired Parisian patisserie, reflecting on the importance of female connection in the hospitality industry. “There’s pressure around recognition, staying relevant, and keeping your business going. That can make people guarded. What’s often missing is a space where you can just be open, share what’s actually going on, and not feel like you have to hold everything close.”
A restaurateur and woman of color, Farheen is one of 130 Chicago members of the Let’s Talk Womxn (LTW) national action movement. Founded by Rohini Dey, Ph.D. in 2020, LTW is now 900+ members strong nationwide, bringing women food/beverage entrepreneurs and restaurateurs together through partnerships, mentorship, and a shared goal to build economic power. Their motto: “Collaboration over Competition”.
“The hours are long, the work is nonstop, and you’re constantly giving your energy to others. As women, there’s often an added layer of needing to prove yourself, feeling guilt for taking breaks or carrying more than what’s visible. Having other women around who understand that without explanation makes a real difference,” Farheen said.
Across 15 cities in North America, LTW members meet monthly to discuss a deep dive business topic.
“We share referrals, we share sources, we troubleshoot in real time and we build friendships that translate into revenue and resilience,” Molly Matelski, LTW Chicago Co-Host and Director of Buyer Relations, Programming, and Media Partnerships for Fiere Italiane and Vinitaly said.
Let’s Talk Womxn has also launched a variety of initiatives aimed at promoting members’ businesses and encouraging collaboration. In February, LTW debuted “Dine & Shine”, an initiative aimed at spotlighting individual members and their businesses by inviting guests to dine in their spaces for a special evening. Matelski said Dine & Shine reflects LTW’s belief that “support should be tangible.” As she put it, “Community is powerful, while revenue keeps doors open.”
This honest approach to fostering connection and success is a refreshing motto in the world of small business associations. With no overhead structure, and a promise of no elitism or gatekeeping, LTW is dedicated to creating a new playing field entirely—one where women entrepreneurs are highlighted and no woman is left behind.
“It gives visibility to women doing great work and creates a space where people feel seen,” Farheen said. “For me personally, it’s been a reminder that even though running a business can feel very solitary, it doesn’t have to be. There’s real value in being part of something where people genuinely want to see each other succeed.”
While women’s ownership in the food industry is less than their counterparts, it is growing. According to Gusto Insights, in 2024, women established 49% of all new businesses that year, increasing a massive 20% from 29% of new businesses in 2019.
At that rate, it is only a matter of time before the majority of new businesses are launched by women entrepreneurs, yet women-owned businesses are massively underrepresented in higher-revenue businesses. Even as the number of women-owned firms rise, the amount of capital and support they are given access to is limited.
Let’s Talk Womxn understands the greater responsibility and importance that women-owned restaurateurs serve to their communities. Women create jobs and career paths; they expand opportunities for other women and people of color; they support local and regional suppliers; and they preserve their diverse backgrounds by honoring their cultural foodways. This honors a belief rooted in matriarchal thinking—when women thrive, we all thrive. Our families, our communities, our economies, all benefit from investments in women’s economic stability and wellbeing. Whereas “women in the kitchen” provided opportunities for patriarchal exploitation, women as leaders in hospitality—owners, chefs, brewers, and front of house managers working together for shared success—breathes of power, solidarity, and joy.
LTW continues to honor this belief by expanding their borders and continuing to engage with other industries. Matelski says, “We are strengthening the broader ecosystem of local economies, cultural exchange, and small business resilience — and helping more women break through structural barriers to thrive.”