5 Fierce Women Who Are Evolutionizing the Canadian Food Industry!

Male-dominated? Traditionally, yes. But Canada’s food and beverage industry has refreshingly and increasingly featured the talented women who put their own blood, sweat, and tears into running restaurants and, in turn, are creating memorable, delicious culinary experiences. Whether it’s behind the scenes, wearing an apron, or visiting your table and shaking your hand, these five women are evolutionizing forces in the industry.

When in Vancouver, a stop in the city’s only Indigenous-owned restaurant, Salmon ’n’ Bannock, is a no-brainer.

Owned by Inez Cook, diners are immediately immersed in First Nation traditions, flavours, hospitality and togetherness. Pride from Long Plain, Maori, Muskoday, Museum, Nuxalk, Nuu-chah-nulth, Ojibway, St’at’lmc, Squamish, and Ts’msyen First Nations are showcased from ingredients sourced to dishes created.

Address: 1128 W Broadway #7, Vancouver, BC. @salmonnbannockbistro

Thanks in large part to Connie DeSousa, Charcut Roasthouse is a dynamo in Calgary’s restaurant scene.

One of Canada’s most celebrated female chefs, Connie has always been fuelled by an unrelenting drive for excellence both in business and life. Her passion for cooking started young, and her realization that food brought people together only intensified her love for the culinary arts. Celebrated and awarded locally, nationally, and internationally, Connie is an unstoppable, inspirational force!

Address:899 Centre St S, Calgary, AB. @charcut

Considered to be one of the modern pioneers of Prairie cuisine, Saskatoon-native Christie Peters elevates local flavours using local ingredients.

Her restaurant, Primal, has become a favourite in the city largely because Christie practices what she preaches – creating time-honoured Italian cuisine along with handmade pasta, using Saskatchewan inherent, heritage grains, and whole animal butchery.

Address:423 20th St W, Saskatoon, SK. @primal_pasta

Blessed with bountiful harvests every year, Executive Chef Amanda Ray is right at home at Prince Edward County’s Drake Devonshire.

A seasoned pro with a reputation for ingenuity, Amanda’s creative imagination is unbounded as she instills her unique touch and creates new takes on classics using some of Ontario’s richest, most vibrant local offerings and delicious seasonal flavours.

Address: 24 Wharf St, Wellington, ON. @drakedevonshire

Award-winning Chef and Co-owner of The Canteen in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Renée Lavallée is a passionate spokesperson for recognized culinary brands, and an icon both in her community and in the kitchen.

A strong supporter of local farmers and producers, she’s known for seasonal menus influenced by everything from French to traditional Nova Scotian cuisine!

Address:22 Portland St, Dartmouth, NS. @TheCanteenNS