On August 26, 1920, women in the U.S. were given the right to vote.

That was a momentous day for the women’s suffrage movement, which had been peacefully fighting for women’s equality since its New York beginnings in 1848. It wasn’t until women’s undeniable involvement and efforts in WWI—and after Europe passed laws that allowed women the right to vote—that the 19th Amendment granted women the same right.

In 1973, Congress officially made August 26th an annual observation of “Women’s Equality Day.” This day not only celebrates women’s right to vote, but also reminds us of the continuous efforts necessary now and in the future to gain full equality.

According to a 2020 UN report, no country in the world has achieved full gender equality. In 2019, full-time, year-round employed women made 82.3 cents for every dollar men made in the U.S. That means that women are paid 17.7% less than men.

Women’s Equality In The Food And Restaurant Industry

The food and restaurant industry, a historically male-dominated industry, has a lot of work to do.

In 2019, even though more than half of culinary graduates in the U.S. were women, less than 20% of working chefs are female. When it comes to leadership in restaurants, a dismal 7% of head chefs and restaurateurs across the U.S. are women.

At the onset of the pandemic, the restaurant industry took a major hit with many businesses closing their doors for good. In April 2020, more than 38% of restaurants nationwide closed temporarily or permanently.

Businesses owned by women, people of color, and immigrants have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic’s economic consequences. In fact, the “unprecedented” 25% drop in the number of women business owners has hurt gender equality efforts in the business realm. Women-run restaurants are particularly at risk of closing their doors from COVID-19.

Ever more the reason to support women-owned, led, and operated restaurants!

It is up to local communities of eaters to continue to show our support whether in the restaurant, at home, or from our offices through office catering.

Celebrate Women’s Equality Day By Supporting Women-Owned Restaurants

So, in the spirit of today’s Women’s Equality Day, we are excited to celebrate a mere handful of the many female-owned, led, and operated restaurant partners of Foodee across the U.S. and Canada.

This may hopefully also inspire other talented and entrepreneurial women to follow in their footsteps and change the industry, growing the number of women-owned and led restaurants in every community. We hope that this piece raises awareness about the inequity that still exists in the industry today—and shows our continued commitment to supporting female chefs, restaurateurs, and leaders in their field across North America.

Top Women-Owned And Run Restaurants To Order To Your Office

Lazy Daisy’s in Toronto

Toronto cafe, Lazy Daisy’s is owned and operated by Dawn Chapman and her family. She runs the business and bakes the biscuits that her local community know and love. The onset of the pandemic forced her and her team to pivot in order to keep their doors open, as with all restaurants and cafes. She streamlined her menus, created an online pantry shop, and used her car to make home deliveries. If you’re in Toronto, visit her new patio or order her delicious freshly baked biscuit sandwiches with farm-fresh produce to your office with Foodee’s catering.

Support Lazy Daisy’s and other women-owned restaurants in Toronto

Organic Sandwich Company in Boulder

Marcy Miller is the founder, owner, and operator of Organic Sandwich Company in Boulder and Louisville, Colorado. Her goal was always to create a fast-casual sandwich that people can grab and go easily, while it’s organic, local, and farm-fresh food. Marcy is focused on what we put into our bodies and helping her local community boost their health and wellness. She is a staunch believer in supporting local and organic farmers—and it shows in the food that she and her staff makes on a daily basis.

Support Organic Sandwich Co

Seoul Kitchen in Silicon Valley

Seoul Kitchen in Redwood City, California is a delicious Korean food restaurant that is owned and operated by a South Korean-born female chef. She prides herself in preparing authentic Korean fast food and has surrounded herself by a diverse, talented, and committed staff. Enjoy their Korean steak bulgogi, BBQ chicken, spicy pork, and more Korean comfort food.

Support Seoul Kitchen

Pelons Tex Mex in Austin

Tasha Miller is the owner and face of Pelon’s Tex-Mex in Austin, Texas. In September 2020, the Texas Conference for Women together with the Texas Restaurant Association donated $177,500 to women-owned restaurants across the state. Seventy-one women-owned restaurants received $2,500 to help pay employee wages and other costs for COVID-19 relief. Tasha’s restaurant was on the list of restaurants that received a grant.

“The Texas Conference for Women strives to help women in the workplace and in all areas of their lives,” said Carla Piñeyro Sublett, Texas Conference for Women Board President. “This year women business owners are facing unprecedented challenges, and we truly wanted to give back and to show the power that comes from women helping women.”

This grant helped Tasha sustain her business, keep her doors open, and pay staff a living wage during unprecedented times.

Support Pelon’s Tex Mex

Celebrate Women’s Equality Day by supporting female restaurateurs through your office meal plans with Foodee.