Four leading women restaurant owners on navigating the industry—and serving their communities
Through a new partnership, Chase and the Independent Restaurant Coalition presented a panel at the Cherry Bombe Jubilee, where four prominent women chefs and restaurateurs discussed the vital role independent restaurants and bars play in our communities, and how they’re taking on the industry’s biggest challenges.
As a part of a new partnership, Chase and the Independent Restaurant Coalition presented a panel at the annual Cherry Bombe Jubilee. Cherry Bombe, a mission-driven media company celebrating women and culinary creativity, is the force behind Jubilee—one of the largest gatherings of women in food and beverage in the United States. Beyond the Pass: Turning Passion into Power & Policy featured prominent women chefs and restaurant owners and underscored the vital role independent restaurants and bars play in the economy—and our communities.
Independent restaurants give communities character, create welcoming spaces, and support neighbors in times of crisis—yet they face immense pressure, operating on razor-thin margins and dealing with staffing shortages. The Independent Restaurant Coalition was formed to help tackle these challenges by securing economic relief and shaping policies to support the independent restaurant community.
“Independent restaurants are subject to an enormous amount of regulation, and they didn't have anyone fighting for them until the Independent Restaurant Coalition was formed,” said Kerry Diamond, founder and editorial director of Cherry Bombe. She added that the organization is currently focused on issues like childcare, food- and farming-related legislation, and issues related to service charges and tipping. “The IRC was founded on the belief that small businesses have the power to affect legislative change, if we unite our voices.”
Moderated by Diamond, the panel featured Caroline Styne of the Lucques Group in Los Angeles; Sarah Grueneberg of Monteverde in Chicago; Cheetie Kumar of Ajja in Raleigh, N.C.; and Stella Dennig of Daytrip Counter in Oakland, Calif. The discussion covered everything from the many challenges of running an independent restaurant to how the IRC helps champion independent restaurant owners among influential audiences in Washington, D.C.
As the official financial services partner of the IRC, Chase is committed to supporting the restaurant industry. Through financial and educational resources, research, and activations to benefit members nationwide, Chase is working with the IRC to invest in the future of the independent restaurant industry.
Check out the panel slideshow below to read more from these industry leaders.
