Restaurants have a reputation for being inhospitable to women in the industry. 

With only 2% of venture capital dollars going to female founders, getting funding to open their own restaurants can seem impossible for women. 

Breaking into male-dominated restaurant kitchens can also be an uphill battle for female chefs. Women account for over half of culinary graduates but somehow represent only 19% of chefs and head cooks in the restaurant industry.

Increasing the visibility of women business owners and chefs helps dispel stereotypes and inspires young people to join the industry. 

So, this week, we highlight some of Menufy's women-owned and -operated restaurant partners!

Restaurants Owned and Operated by Women

Lamika Dickery's passion for baking inspired her to open up shop in 2019. Her journey owning a restaurant hasn't always been easy, but it's been rewarding to spread joy throughout the community. Everything on Decadent's menu is made from scratch and uses only the best ingredients!

Order online: https://www.decadentsugarland.com
Visit Instagram: @decadentsugarland

This ​​Italian-inspired cafe is a one-stop shop for baked goods, deli items, and specialty groceries. Dianna Quatraro, owner, built a large customer base at local markets, and in 2011 she was inspired to open Dianna's Bakery & Cafe. The cafe serves a diverse menu that features grab-and-go sandwiches and "take, heat & eat" meals.

Explore the menu: https://diannasbakerycafedeli.menufy.com
Visit Instagram: @diannasbakery

This family-operated business started as a well-known taco truck, offering authentic Mexican street tacos – Arandas and Jalisco style. Motivated by the success of the food truck, owner Julia Rohrer decided to open a brick-and-mortar restaurant and expand the menu. Customers love digging into the restaurant’s al pastor tacos, which are considered some of the best tacos in the area!

Order online: https://www.taquerialanueva.com/order
Visit Instagram: @taquerialanuevaop

Satay Thai is a family-owned restaurant born in 2005 from the mind of the family's matriarch, Christina (Mama Low), whose recipes live on in the menu today! Fifteen years later, Janie Low has taken ownership, and Satay Thai strives to be the best Thai restaurant in Las Vegas. Satay's customers salivate over their Salt & Pepper Shrimp, Mama Low Curry, and Fresh Coconut Juice in Shell.

Explore the menu: https://sataylasvegas.menufy.com
Visit Instagram: @sataythaibistro

Nunthaporn Thai Cuisine's menu features traditional recipes. Whether customers are dining in or ordering online, Nunthaporn Thai Cuisine takes great pride in creating authentic Thai cuisine for its community. Owner Nunthaporn Treekamol says that the customer is always the number one priority. Nunthaporn is not only interested in how a dish tastes but also in how it looks and smells. Nunthaporn's was voted Best Thai Restaurant in Mesa, AZ, by Phoenix New Times!

Order Online: https://www.ordernunthapornthai.com
Visit Facebook: @nunthapornsthaicuisine 

Stuff'D by Jannah Jewelz is owned and operated by Jannah East, a talented entrepreneur who owns multiple businesses in the Philly area. Jannah is passionate about the quality of her dishes, which she says are made with love. Their menu serves Zabihah lamb and chicken entrees alongside stir fry, seafood, and their signature Stuffed Chicken and Pineapple. 

Explore the menu: https://www.stuffdbyjj.com
Visit Instagram: @jannahjewelz | @stuffdbyjannahjewelz

Lustea is a trendy tea shop specializing in high-quality milk teas and finger foods. Lam Hamai, known by her American name Amie, opened the first location in San Antonio in October 2020 and has since opened an Abilene location. Amie has an eye for quality, only using certain products from Vietnam and certain types of boba. Customers love their Tiger Milk Tea, Lychee Cream Cheese Tea, and Coconut Shrimp!

Explore the menu: https://www.orderlustea.com/locations
Visit Instagram: @lusteaus

Pine and Bamboo Garden Chinese Restaurant brings the taste of China to its local neighborhood. Owner Patty Lam, who is loved by employees and vendors, insists on using only the finest ingredients in their Hunan, Szechwan, and Cantonese cuisines. Customers have dubbed Pine & Bamboo Garden the King (or, more fittingly, Queen) of Dim Sum in the Kansas City area! 

Order online: https://www.pinebamboogarden.com
Visit Facebook: @pinebamboogarden

When The Mixing Bowl's previous owners decided it was time to retire from their family restaurant, Stephanie Blaco stepped up and took ownership. This restaurant has the best-rated biscuits and gravy in the area, which is a big deal in the Midwest. The Mixing Bowl is led by a hard-working woman who serves up delicious home cooking and strives to make the restaurant a home away from home for her customers.

Explore the menu: https://www.orderthemixingbowlinc.com/
Visit Instagram: @themixingbowlinc

Mahfam Moeeni-Alacron, chef and co-owner, opened Mingle + Graze in January 2019. They are self-proclaimed purveyors of fine cheeses and libations. The talented chefs bring to life beautiful charcuteries for their customers and use responsibly sourced ingredients and hand-picked cheeses. Mingle + Graze uplifts and supports their employees, especially the creative women who make up a majority of their team! 

Order online: https://www.mingleandgrazechandler.com
Visit Instagram: @mingleandgraze

The Last Bite

There are over 26,944 restaurant owners currently employed in the United States, and 43.7% of them are women.

Organizations such as the James Beard Foundation are trying to transform the hospitality establishment by creating entrepreneurial programs in hopes of helping women advance in their culinary careers. 

Menufy is proud to partner with so many talented women in the restaurant industry, and we encourage our customers to support businesses with female leaders and chefs!

Feeling hungry? Order online from a restaurant in your neighborhood at www.menufy.com.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Melissa Dimmitt, Marketing Communications Coordinator

Melissa began her digital marketing career nearly a decade ago at a restaurant group. She worked with restaurant managers and executive chefs while coordinating seasonal menu releases, executing photoshoots, and creating fresh digital content.