Introducing dish. Fuel for Women Leaders

The numbers don’t lie: women make up 58 per cent of entry-level foodservice positions, yet that representation drops sharply as they climb the leadership ladder—only 30 per cent of management roles are held by women, and just 11 per cent ever reach the C-suite. It’s a familiar story across industries, but in foodservice—where women have long shaped and sustained hospitality—this imbalance is particularly stark.

For many women in leadership, the real challenge isn’t breaking the glass ceiling—it’s the broken rung: the barrier to taking that crucial first step into management. Research confirms that the most significant roadblock women face is the initial promotion to leadership, often due to unconscious bias, lack of mentorship, and the perception that leadership roles aren’t flexible enough for women managing caregiving responsibilities. Once that first step is missed, the gap only widens.

“I was confronted with my own bias during a senior hiring process,” recalls Kelly Higginson, President & CEO of Restaurants Canada. “I had two candidates: a woman with direct brand experience and extensive leadership training, and a man who lacked both. Yet, I initially gave the job to the man. I was swayed by others’ opinions of my decision and had been culturally conditioned to believe that the confidence of the male applicant equated to actual capabilities. It was an uncomfortable realization, but it made me more aware of the influence and impact of unconscious bias, and how deeply ingrained these biases can be—even in those of us fighting for change.”

Higginson’s experience underscores how societal norms subtly shape decision-making, often favouring men for leadership roles despite objective qualifications. It’s a reminder that overcoming bias requires active self-awareness, reflection, and deliberate action to challenge ingrained assumptions and create real opportunities. “Women are proven innovators—we bring fresh perspectives and play a critical role in driving results and initiatives. Yet, we remain underrepresented in leadership in most industries, including our own,” she points out. “That’s why we created dish.—to provide a platform for real change and a space where women in foodservice can connect, collaborate, and lead.”

Fuelling Women Leaders in Food—And Those Who Aspire

dish. by Restaurants Canada is more than an initiative—it’s a movement designed to level the playing field. The platform launched with a sold-out morning gathering of powerhouse women in downtown Toronto, which was enthusiastically sponsored by DoorDash, Sysco and American Express with product support from PepsiCo.

The setting was also symbolic—Mildred’s Temple Kitchen, owned by Donna Dooher, a trailblazing chef, restaurateur, and former President & CEO of Restaurants Canada, provided the perfect backdrop. “Donna helped pave the way for women like me who watched as she cut her own path in this industry,” says Higginson. “To launch dish. in her space, surrounded by incredible women, was deeply meaningful.”

Over an incredible brunch, 75 attendees engaged in a high-energy networking session, where ideas flowed, partnerships formed, and future collaborations began taking shape in real time. This wasn’t just networking—it was women showing up for each other, sparking connections, and laying the groundwork for collective success.

The event also featured insights from Jocelyn Pepe, an expert in workplace well-being, who led a grounding session to set the tone for keynote speaker Karlyn Percil, a renowned equity and emotional intelligence strategist. Together, they challenged attendees to redefine leadership on their own terms and break free from outdated structures that limit potential. The demand for dish. was clear—the room was filled with energy, intention, and a shared commitment to rewriting the rules of leadership in foodservice.

What’s next for dish.

The launch of dish. is just the beginning. The momentum continues with an exclusive MENU Magazine content series spotlighting women leaders from all corners of the foodservice and hospitality industry.

“These aren’t your standard corporate profiles,” says Higginson. “We’re going beyond polished résumés and curated success stories. dish. is about giving women an authentic platform to share their journeys—the challenges, the hard choices, and the wins, big and small, that have shaped their leadership paths. When we amplify real stories, we expose the systemic challenges holding women back while showcasing the full spectrum of female leadership—from emerging talents to established pioneers. Our goal is to help others see not just where women leaders are today, but where they could be if we break down barriers and truly fix that broken first rung on the ladder.”

And dish. isn’t stopping there. Plans are already in motion to expand the initiative’s reach with virtual meet-ups, ensuring women across Canada—whether in a bustling city or a small town—have access to meaningful connections and industry support. These candid online gatherings will create a dynamic space for mentorship, knowledge-sharing, and open conversations about the unique challenges and opportunities for women in foodservice.

“Not everyone can step away from their business or travel for events, but that shouldn’t mean they miss out on critical conversations and networking,” says Higginson. “These virtual meet-ups will help bridge the gap, ensuring that every woman in foodservice with the ambition to lead has access to a strong, supportive community.”

Creating a more inclusive industry.

As dish. expands, Restaurants Canada is calling on industry leaders to step up—not just to support women, but to actively dismantle the barriers holding them back.

“We need to move past performative allyship,” says Higginson. “Success isn’t about checking a diversity box—it’s about ensuring women are given the same opportunities to lead and thrive as their male counterparts. It is about changing the system, not changing women. Our hope is that women join the dish. community to share their experiences and perspectives. By fostering real connections, we’re not just closing the gap; we’re building a stronger, more inclusive industry where talent—not gender—determines success.”

Foodservice is at a turning point, and women are ready to lead the charge. dish. is here to ensure they have the tools, resources, and community to do just that.

To learn more about dish. and how to get involved, visit restaurantscanada.org/dish/.