Women in Restaurant Leadership (WiRL)

2025 SNEAK PEEK: Congratulations to Turning Point Restaurants for being named FSR's "Breakout Brand of the Year" 🤩 ✨ An extra special shoutout is in order for Bonnie Iavaroni, COO and WiRL advisory board member! ❤️ 🎉 #WiRLPower

"There's too many women today who are trying to fit into the model of what they think a working mother is. You really have to determine what that means to you and be okay with it ... for women, you can do more than what you think you can. I love that model, but I'm not a lean in person ... I'm already doing enough." President and CEO of the Texas Restaurant Association Emily Williams Knight, Ed.D. dropping one of many truth bombs 💣 in this exclusive WiRL crossover podcast episode with QSR. We chat about so many things — climbing the ladder, regulatory challenges, how restaurants can better support women in the workplace, and more. Join the conversation and listen now: https://lnkd.in/eVXr49QZ

According to a report by The World Bank, women make up less than a third of the world's workforce in technology-related fields. In the U.S., women make up 35% of employees in STEM. So, how can we drive meaningful change, especially in the restaurant tech sector? 👩💻 At the #WiRLTogetherSummit in February, we're bringing in the experts to host an open and honest conversation around what it takes to land a job in tech (and thrive). Session speakers: ✨ Tammy K. Billings, MBA | Strategic Technology Advisor ✨ Nicole Blackman | General Manager, Data Central, PAR Technology ✨ Emily Keding | Director, IT Infrastructure & Cybersecurity, Restaurant Technologies ✨ Maia Tekle | Director of Business Development, Science On Call: Tech Support for Restaurants Explore the full agenda: https://lnkd.in/euFbvnh3 RSVP now: https://lnkd.in/egPjDGFU

Let's give a huge shoutout to Kimberly Bean, the new Vice President of Marketing @ Perkins American Food Co. 💚 ✨ #WiRLPower As an industry veteran with more than 20 years of experience in the foodservice space, Bean will join a star-studded group of women in restaurant leadership at Perkins. “At Perkins, we are leading a monumental evolution of a legacy brand, which is allowing us to connect with new audiences. During this time we are delighted to welcome Kimberly to our team, as she brings extensive expertise in brand management, market research, and cross-functional team leadership. Her talents and knowledge will be incredibly valuable as we continue to evolve and expand our brand,” said Toni Ronayne, President of Perkins American Food Co. Read the full report on FSR: https://lnkd.in/eSnN6YKp

Psst… the WiRL newsletter has officially arrived! ❤️ Whether you’re in need of career inspiration, the latest WiRL scoop, or just need a reason to go out and crush your goals this week, we’ve got you covered with a weekly dose of #WiRLPower straight to your inbox! 👉🏻 Curated WiRL content from QSR and FSR 👉🏻 WiRL “Woman to Watch” 👉🏻 Dream Job Alerts 🚨 👉🏻 Event calendar + podcast news What are you waiting for? Come join the WiRL fam and sign up for our weekly newsletter today: https://lnkd.in/eSiuq6VJ

📣 Session Highlight — Do you know your WORTH? #WiRLPower The team at WORTH (Women of Restaurants, Technology, and Hospitality) are coming back for year 2 to teach you how to advocate for your needs in the workplace. It’s time to let your voice be HEARD. We’re here to help you THRIVE ❤️ This interactive session is lead by: ✨ Cristal Craven | Director of Strategic Partnerships, SynergySuite ✨ Lauren Selman, CMP | VP of Operations, IFBTA (International Food and Beverage Technology Association) ✨ Tammy K. Billings, MBA | Strategic Technology Advisor Explore the full agenda here: https://lnkd.in/euFbvnh3 Reserve your spot at the #TogetherSummit now: https://lnkd.in/eq6Pw7_K

There’s a seat at the table for those who want to attend networking events hosted by the IFBTA (International Food and Beverage Technology Association). Enjoy great food, drinks, and conversations as you gain insights from industry peers in their local chapters across the country, UK, and virtually! Check out their events at: https://lnkd.in/gC77Tp7n #restauranttech #restaurantnetworking #womenintech

When parents leave the workforce or reduce their hours, it costs our economy an estimated $122 billion each year. When working moms have access to paid parental leave, they are 20% more likely to return to work after welcoming a baby to the world. Which is why I’m raising my coffee cup to Starbucks this morning. Tripling paid parental leave for birth mothers to 8 weeks and doubling it for non-birth parents to 12 for all who work 20+ hours a week is progress. Reminds me of the amazing joy a new baby brings and the trepidation too, knowing the countdown is on from the moment an angel is in your arms until the time you have to leave them to return to work too soon. Giving birth to five kids has been a highlight of my life. Piecing together short-term disability and FMLA for maternity leave has NOT. I either came back at 12 weeks (I won’t even get into being away from your tiny baby or pumping in airports and closets) or took unpaid leave to get to 16. And partner leave for my husband wasn’t a thing just a few years ago. Love seeing leading brands listen to employees and start to make change. Next up: even longer leave? Solving the childcare crisis too (stay tuned about how StarryEyed Strategy is doing our part with some new branding work). Fellow parents, what other changes would you like to see next for progress?! #StayStarryEyed #ParentalLeave #IHeartBrandsAndBabies

Huge congratulations to Sonika Patel as she joins P.F. Chang's as Chief Marketing Officer! 🎉 As Chief Marketing Officer, Patel will oversee the development and execution of P.F. Chang’s global marketing strategy. She will focus on fostering brand loyalty, driving customer engagement, and strengthening the company’s market position. “P.F. Chang’s is such a beloved brand with rich legacy for delivering authentic and exceptional dining experiences worldwide,” says Patel. “I am humbled and honored with the opportunity and look forward to deepen our connection with customers and drive momentum for the business.” Read the full report on FSR: https://lnkd.in/eUCKgtPk #WiRLPower #MarketingMavens

Have you hear the news? Starbucks announced yesterday that it will double paid parental leave in the U.S. to attract and retain more employees. 👉 Birth parents will now receive up to 18 weeks of full paid leave 👉 Non-birth parents will receive up to 12 weeks WiRL community, what do you think about this change? Read more here: https://lnkd.in/eUfM98j7