INFLUENTIAL WOMEN

Recognizing the achievements of female chefs, restaurateurs and foodservices leaders

Earlier this year, BIV published the inaugural issue of BC500, which recognizes some of the most influential business leaders in British Columbia.

The publication featured a dozen successful chefs, restaurateurs and foodservices executives, many of whom are households names. But it failed to highlight the progress, achievements, successes and influence of women in this traditionally male-dominated industry.

With feedback supported by research, BIV has updated its digital list to include nine influential women who should have been part of the BC500 magazine from the beginning.

This issue of Women in Business magazine dedicates some space to the culinary leaders who have broken glass ceilings, launched innovative businesses and reached high levels of success in their respective areas. These leaders span two categories: chefs and restaurateurs, and foodservices. Profiles and more information on all of the individuals featured across more than 50 unique categories can be found at bc500.biv.com.

CHEFS AND RESTAURATEURS

ANDREA CARLSON Owner and chef Burdock & Co.

Andrea Carlson is chef and owner of Burdock & Co., Harvest Community Foods and Bar Gobo. She was named Vancouver Magazine’s Chef of the Year 2020.

PHOTO: DAN TOULGOET

PHOTO: @KAASCROSS INEZ COOK Co-founder and owner Salmon n’ Bannock Bistro

Inez Cook co-founded the award-winning Salmon n’ Bannock Bistro, which remains the only Indigenous restaurant in Vancouver. The restaurant has been featured in National Geographic, CNN, The Guardian, The New York Times and other publications.

MELISSA CRAIG Executive chef Bearfoot Bistro

Melissa Craig commands a team of 25 in the show kitchen of the Bearfoot Bistro in Whistler. She has received the coveted gold award at the Gold Medal Plates’ Canadian Culinary Championships – arguably the most prestigious culinary event in Canada.

PHOTO: SUBMITTED PHOTO: SUBMITTED

KAREN BARNABY Product development chef Modern Plant-Based Foods

Karen Barnaby is an award-winning chef and author who works as a product development consultant with a number of organizations. She was the first woman to receive the British Columbia Restaurant Hall of Fame’s Back of the House Award.

PHOTO: LEILA KWOK

MEERU DHALWALA Chef and co-owner Vij’s, Rangoli

Meeru Dhalwala is an award-winning restaurateur, and chef and coowner of Vij’s and Rangoli. She has received honorary doctorates from the University of British Columbia and Simon Fraser University.

FOODSERVICES

DEBRA LYKKEMARK Former CEO Culinary Capers Catering and Special Events

More than 30 years ago, Debra Lykkemark founded a catering company that would go on to cater Olympic events, all-star galas and other major celebrations. She has been recognized as one of BIV’s Influential Women in Business.

PHOTO: CULINARYCAPERS.COM

PHOTO: SUBMITTED SUSAN MENDELSON Founder The Lazy Gourmet

More than 40 years ago, Susan Mendelson founded The Lazy Gourmet, one of Vancouver’s first – and now leading – catering companies. She is a famed caterer and cookbook writer, who has authored 10 cookbooks.

SUSAN SENECAL CEO A&W Food Services of Canada

Susan Senecal is CEO of A&W Food Services of Canada, which boasts more than 900 restaurants across the country. She is the company’s fifth – and first female – CEO.

PHOTO: SUBMITTED PHOTO: LINKEDIN.COM

CAROLYN SMITH Divisional marketing manager Gordon Food Service

Carolyn Smith is a B.C.-based divisional marketing manager with Gordon Food Service, a leading family-owned food distributor. She is a board director of the British Columbia Restaurant and Foodservices Association.