Women Making Waves in Chicago Hospitality

There’s no doubt about it, women in the hospitality industry are making their presence known. While the space is still notably dominated by men, more and more women are joining forces to make a name for themselves. With an increasing number of women-owned bakeries, highly talented female chefs and sommeliers, and more popping up all over the city, we want to give recognition where recognition is due. We’re honored to celebrate the women who make this industry what it is today! Follow along as we introduce some of Chicago’s leaders in the hospitality space…

Dominique Leach from Lexington Betty's {756 East 111th Street, Chicago; 708.927.5614}

A native Chicagoan, Dominique Leach had a unique beginning in the culinary world. She attended culinary school at the Illinois Institute of Art in Chicago before moving from kitchen to kitchen around the city gaining knowledge and experience. After working as a line cook at The Four Seasons Hotel she began her own catering company which later became a food truck and is now what we know as the beloved Lexington Betty's. 

Solange Austin from NoMI at the Park Hyatt Chicago { 800 Michigan Avenue, Chicago; 312.239.4030}

Chef Solange Austin is known for her picture-esque desserts that are an anchor for NoMI’s menu (and Instagram page). With childhood inspiration at the forefront of everything she does and a passion for experimentation, she is the queen of creating mouthwatering desserts like Coconut Panna Cotta and Pumpkin Roulade. There’s no doubt about it, people may come for NoMI’s views, but they stay for Austin’s delectable desserts. 

Melissa Zeman from BottlesUp! {3164 North Broadway Avenue, Chicago; 773.362.4999}

Women's leadership is at the heart of everything in this Lakeview wine shop. Back in 2009, owner Melissa Zeman wanted to open a wine shop that focused less on sales and more on community, so she did. In 2019 she opened BottlesUp!, one of the North Side's favorite (and only) wine stores.  Besides carrying a unique selection of wine, BottlesUp! alsohosts tasting events, at home wine events, and more. 

Kate Park of Omakase Yume, TenGoku Aburiya, and Bonyeon {Multiple Locations}

With any good restaurant or group of restaurants, there’s the brains and the chef behind the operation, and husband and wife duo Sangtae and Kate Park check off both boxes. After years of working in sushi restaurants around Chicago and beyond, Sangtae and his wife Kate opened Omakase Yume in the West Loop followed by their sister TenGoku, and now Bon Yeon. While all three restaurants serve restaurant goers a unique experience they have two things in common, amazing food and high-class service like no other. 

Yasmin Gutierrez of Beatrix {Multiple Locations}

Gutierrez was born in Mexico City and spent hours in the kitchen at a young age with her mother and grandmother making traditional Mexican dishes. She moved to the U.S. to pursue an education and later found herself at the Illinois Institute of Art in culinary studies. After school, she landed a job with the Lettuce Entertain You restaurant group and slowly worked her way to where she is now, Partner and Executive Pastry Chef at one of the city’s most popular spots.

Kat Hawkins from Tre Dita {401 East Wacker Drive, Chicago; 312.725.1724}

Originally from Detroit, Hawkins received a degree in communications before turning her attention to wine and hospitality. Over the last several years she has worked at a number of restaurants in Detroit and then Chicago perfecting her love and knowledge of the adult beverage industry. Aside from being the Wine Director at Miru and Tre Dita she is a certified Sommelier and was named one of America’s “Best New Sommeliers” by Wine & Spirits Magazine.

via Kristen Mendiola

Tia Polite from Indienne {217 West Huron Street, Chicago; 312.291.9472}

There’s a reason Indienne is the first Indian restaurant in Chicago to receive a Michelin star. The food is iconic and, thanks to Sommelier Tia Polite, their wine selection is just as impressive. Polite got her start in the hospitality industry in the kitchen before becoming a certified Sommelier. She now uses her talents to help guests explore wine in an entirely new way. 

Patricia Coonan of Big Shoulders {Multiple Locations}

Big Shoulders is undoubtedly one of the most popular coffee brands in the city, but did you know it is women-owned? Co-owner Patricia Coonan has more than 30 years of experience in the hospitality and restaurant industry much of which was in the business side working as the CFO of LFP Restaurant Management and an early investor in Blaze Pizza. With her husband Tim, the duo has created the perfect coffee shop with locations across the city.

By Madison Freeman | Online Correspondent