An accelerator for women in gastronomy

It was during a chic lunch at Rôtisserie La Lune that the collective La Table Ronde announced last week the creation of the Women’s Leadership Accelerator, an initiative aimed at supporting women entrepreneurs in Quebec’s gastronomy sector by providing them with guidance and mentorship.

Initiated by La Table Ronde’s Executive Director, Debbie Zakaib, the accelerator will benefit from the support of the Quebec government and the City of Montreal to “drive the sector’s growth by providing participants with concrete tools, personalized support, and visibility opportunities.”

The one-year program will offer these businesswomen personalized coaching, a diagnosis of their business, and various tools to guide them on their journey. At the end of the program, they will have the opportunity to present a “sales pitch” before a panel of experts. Three grants of $10,000 will be awarded to support the most promising projects.

Management and entrepreneurship consultant Ana Marinescu from Urbana Marketing will co-direct the program.

A First Cohort Unveiled

Ms. Zakaib took advantage of the presence of several distinguished guests, including outgoing Mayor Valérie Plante and her colleague Marie Plourde—who recently took over the gastronomy, nightlife, culture, and heritage portfolios on the Executive Committee of the City of Montreal—to introduce the twelve women who will form the very first cohort of the accelerator. Among them are several well-known names in the industry, including Cheryl Johnson, co-owner of the restaurant Montréal Plaza; Perle Morency of Côté Est in Kamouraska; Colombe St-Pierre (Chez St-Pierre and Cantine Côtière in Le Bic); and sommelier Véronique Rivest, owner of Soif Bar à Vin and La Petite Soif in Gatineau.

“I am especially pleased to know that this funding will benefit women entrepreneurs, who are still underrepresented in the restaurant industry. Enabling female chefs to gain more space in the culinary landscape means contributing to the diversity of our gastronomy, which enlivens our neighborhoods and attracts thousands of people each year,” emphasized the mayor.

“By highlighting their leadership, we also hope to inspire the next generation and attract young talent, ensuring a dynamic and inclusive future for our gastronomy,” said Debbie Zakaib.

Launched in 2022, La Table Ronde brings together stakeholders from some 190 establishments across the province, with a mission to accelerate the growth and visibility of Quebec gastronomy through a sustainable perspective.

Participants of the Women’s Accelerator

Cheryl Johnson – Montréal Plaza, Juliette Plaza (Montreal)
Colombe St-Pierre – Chez Saint-Pierre, Cantine Côtière (Bas-Saint-Laurent)
Isabelle Dupuis – Microbrasserie Le Presbytère (Mauricie)
Karen Therrien – Groupe La Tanière (Quebec City)
Karina Tétrault – Lundis au soleil (Montreal)
Mila Rishkova – Hoogan et Beaufort, Annette, Boucherie Édouard et Léo (Montreal)
Maude Théroux-Séguin – Les Cavistes, Cerise (Montreal)
Noémie Ducharme – Bar Jjacques, Bistro Chez Tao, Julio Taqueria (Quebec City)
Perle Morency – Côté Est, Chez Pépita ! (Bas-Saint-Laurent)
Sandra Ferreira – Ferreira, Campo, Vasco da Gama (Montreal)
Vanya Filipovic – Mon Lapin, Rôtisserie La Lune, Les Vins Dame-Jeanne (Montreal)
Véronique Rivest – Soif Bar à Vin, La Petite Soif (Outaouais)