By Haley Lueth
The restaurant industry has long been a male-dominated space—especially in the kitchen. While women have historically been more present in front-of-house roles, back-of-house and leadership positions have remained out of reach for many. But that narrative is shifting. Women are stepping up, leading teams, driving innovation and redefining what leadership in this industry looks like.
My journey in restaurants started young. I was fascinated by the fast-paced energy of the kitchen, mesmerized by the art of crafting incredible meals and glued to the Food Network at every chance I got. I didn’t just want to work in a restaurant—I wanted to be in the heart of it, where the magic happened.
Pushing Past Barriers
In 2010, when I officially stepped into the industry, women in the kitchen were a rarity. Like many others before me, I was automatically placed in a front-of-house role. When I asked to work in the kitchen instead, my boss was surprised. I could see the doubt in my coworkers’ eyes—they didn’t believe I could keep up. Instead of letting that discourage me, I saw it as fuel. I pushed harder, honed my skills and earned my place. Soon enough, those same coworkers who had doubted me were coming to me for guidance.
As I moved up in my career, I faced new challenges—finding my voice, proving my worth, and leading in a space where women were still underrepresented. The key? Leading by example. I focused on my work ethic, my passion and my ability to uplift others. I didn’t just want a seat at the table—I wanted to make sure other women had one, too.
Why Women in Leadership Roles Matter
Women bring fresh perspectives, creative problem-solving and a leadership style that fosters collaboration and growth. Historically, restaurant leadership has been shaped by men, but as more women take on executive roles, we’re seeing an industry transformed by diversity and innovation. More importantly, when women lead, they inspire others to step forward. Many hesitate to take on leadership roles simply because they haven’t seen others like them do it before. Visibility matters.
Over the years, I’ve seen a shift. More female chefs, more women in management and more women at the decision-making table. But there’s still work to be done. True progress requires active investment—mentorship programs, networking opportunities and workplaces that truly value inclusivity. And it starts with leaders who champion that change.
Creating Space for Women at Happy Joe’s Pizza
At Happy Joe’s Pizza, I’ve seen firsthand what it means to create an environment where women are supported, encouraged and empowered. When I first stepped into the kitchen, I was the only woman. Today, I’m in a leadership role, working alongside a CEO, Tom Sacco, who actively uplifts female employees and creates opportunities for them to grow and lead. That kind of leadership sets the tone for the future.
The Future is Female—and It’s Now
The next decade is pivotal for women in restaurants as more break those barriers to become executive chefs, operators and franchise leaders. Outdated beliefs about their place in the industry are fading—but it’s up to us to keep the momentum going.
To any woman looking to enter or advance in the restaurant industry, my advice is simple: Go for it. Be confident in your skills. Advocate for yourself. Your voice, your ideas and your leadership matter. Challenges will come, but they will shape you into the leader you’re meant to be. Find a place where the culture embraces women in leadership and make it your home. Both you and the company will benefit from the relationship. You both will grow, thrive and excel!The kitchen should be a space where passion and talent thrive—regardless of gender. It’s time to break the mold, uplift one another and create a more inclusive, innovative industry.
Haley Lueth is a franchise business consultant for Happy Joe’s Pizza and Ice Cream.
