The WFF was formed in 1989 by a group of 14 women with a radical notion for the times…
The WFF's formation was actually rooted in a roundtable discussion that was held during the 1988
National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago. Peter Berlinski, then editor of Restaurant
Business magazine, called to express interest ingathering data on the state of women in the
foodservice industry.
He brought together a group of women to talk about issues of developing leadership talent and
ensuring career advancement among executive women in the foodservice industry, which remained
highly male-dominated – particularly within the leadership ranks.
That early roundtable became known as the Women's Council, forerunner to the Women's
Foodservice Forum, which was founded formally a year later.
The roundtable discussion resulted in major foodservice-trade coverage, including a cover
story, “Bridging the Gender Gap” which appeared in the September 1, 1988 edition of Restaurant
Business.
Now, WFF is a vibrant, highly charged organization committed to helping women at all levels
in their careers, entry-level to emerging leader to executive, envision and achieve their highest
potential.
To accomplish this, the WFF invested significant time talking with corporate leaders to
identify the critical business skills that set leaders apart. It is providing the opportunity
to develop these skills in our members that form the foundation of the WFF, it mission, vision and
ultimate goals.
By doing so, the WFF hopes to elevate women leaders in order to elevate the entire
foodservice industry. This spirit and dedication has set it apart from any other organization
serving the foodservice industry.