Why I Created Women in Cafes and Restaurants
Over the years, I’ve attended countless incredible conferences and community events designed to uplift and empower women across various industries. But something stood out to me: I rarely, if ever, saw women from the hospitality sector, especially those of us running restaurants or working in cafés represented in these spaces.
I searched for a community that celebrated and supported women like me. A space that felt inclusive, inspiring, and relevant to the unique challenges of hospitality. When I couldn’t find one, I decided to create it myself.
After months of research, conversations, and gathering advice from some truly inspiring women in other industries, Women in Cafes and Restaurants (WCR) was born.
So, why did I create WCR?
- To build meaningful connections with like-minded women, those who understand the pressure of rising costs and fewer customers, the reality of long, unsociable hours, and the often overlooked emotional labour we carry.
- To shine a light on the incredible women in our industry who deserve far more recognition than they receive.
- To offer support and community a space to share our struggles, celebrate our wins, and uplift each other.
- To provide practical resources that help women grow both personally and professionally in their hospitality careers and beyond
Addressing the Realities: Calling Out Bad Behaviour
It’s no secret that many women working in hospitality have experienced inappropriate or disrespectful behaviour, whether it’s subtle bias, toxic work environments, or outright harassment. And too often, we’re expected to brush it off, smile through it, or stay silent just to keep the peace.
We are here to call out and address the behaviour that has no place in our industry. We believe in creating a culture of respect and accountability, from the kitchen to the front of house, from management to customers.
Our community is a space where women can safely speak up, find solidarity, and access tools and support to navigate these challenges. By sharing stories, standing together, and holding each other (and our workplaces) to a higher standard, we can begin to shift the culture, not just for ourselves, but for the women who come after us.
Redefining the Future of Hospitality
I’m deeply passionate about changing the industry for the better. And real change begins when we empower more women and girls to take on leadership roles, shifting outdated expectations and creating workplaces where respect and equality are the norm.
It’s time to rewrite the narrative. Women in cafés and restaurants aren’t just filling roles, we are redefining them. We are reshaping what it means to be a chef, a barista, a server, or a bartender by breaking free from old stereotypes and enriching the hospitality experience for everyone.
We also have a responsibility to empower the next generation of hospitality heroines. When young women see others not only surviving but thriving in this industry, they begin to believe they can do it too. Working in cafés and restaurants teaches invaluable skills like customer service, communication, problem-solving, conflict resolution, and multitasking, skills that are incredibly transferable to any future path.
Together, through Women in Cafes and Restaurants, we can create a stronger, safer, and more inspiring future for women in hospitality.
JOIN US ABOUT WCR