We truly believe that recognizing everyday excellence and contributions is one of the best ways to celebrate women. And looks like DoorDash is right there with us on that.
This Women’s History Month, the leading last-mile delivery app is spotlighting four Canadian restaurants across the country to celebrate the empowered women behind them. These women have made an impact in their community and overcome challenges in the restaurant industry.
This is part of DoorDash’s Entrepreneurship & Access (E&A) Program, aimed at empowering Black-owned, immigrant-owned and women-owned businesses year-round through increased visibility, access to funding opportunities, free resources and training. Doordash has been working to level the playing field for these local businesses that have had an incredible impact on their communities.
Here are four women-owned eateries acing the Canadian restaurant game — let’s take a look, get inspired and hungry!
SIMPLY IRIE, CALGARY
As any Calgarian would tell you, Simply Irie is a go-to when it comes to insanely good Caribbean food. For over a decade, this black-owned, family-run restaurant has been winning hearts with its extensive menu, authentic flavours and a friendly, upbeat vibe.
The lady at the helm
By her own admission, Fay Bruney is an unapologetically strong woman who believes no age should stop you from chasing your dreams. Having started Simply Irie after her kids left the hen, she advises women, “Don’t be afraid to try and fail – It’s never too late to start.” Her love for food and acute business acumen are what made Simply Irie the success it is today.
The female advantage
Much like other women in the restaurant industry, Fay is faced with social expectations of failing as a woman of colour and restaurant owner. But that’s not stopping her. “I think people expect me to be a bit softer as a business owner. I can come off pretty strong because that’s exactly what I am. I don’t apologize for that,” says Fay.
Must-try menu item
Food is a fast track into culture and there is no way to pick just one, according to Fay. Our recos would be Doubles, Oxtail, fried Snapper with Escovitch, and Curry Tofu Medley – they all sound delicious and are on our bucket list for Calgary!
THE BURROW, VANCOUVER
The Burrow has been serving up Mexican-inspired vegetarian and gluten-free recipes for almost a decade and a half. It’s been around since “hip and vegetarian” were a rare phenomenon in Vancouver’s foodscape. To no one’s surprise, the restaurant has garnered a lot of love from the community.
The ladies at the helm
Photo via DoorDashJackie and Aiyana are two fun-loving foodies who saw a hole in the market for delicious vegetarian fare in a warm and welcoming ambiance. Their wish for more vegetarian options in Vancouver led them to open The Burrow in 2009.
The female advantage
As a female entrepreneur in the food industry, Jackie “felt nervous at the beginning leading a team.” However, she found being a woman has been a strength in her leadership. Jackie adds “We’ve created a family-like culture that has brought the best out of ourselves and our employees.”
Must-try menu item
Penny burrito! The Burrow spent a considerable amount of time finding affordable but also nourishing and delicious ingredients to make them taste delicious together in the “Penny Burrito.” Their customers agree – Penny Burrito is one of the most popular menu items!
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BRAWTA JAMAICAN JERK JOINT, HALIFAX
This Jamaican gem is known for serving up authentic flavours, finger-lickin’ food and the best darn jerk in town. And their delectable dishes come with a side of friendly service, a cozy-meets-chill vibe and toe-tapping reggae music. Basically, they have everything you need for a delightfully Jamaican dining experience, and a strong female leader at the forefront of operations.
The lady at the helm
With 20 years of experience cooking and baking Jamaican delights, food and flavours have been at the centre of most gatherings for Christine. Having limited access to authentic Jamaican food in Halifax when immigrating to Canada in 2014, Christine decided it was time to express herself and her culture through her love of food with others.
What started out as gatherings with friends quickly turned into a brick-and-mortar shop in 2019.
The female advantage
Balancing family and work is one of the challenges Christine faces daily. And with limited access to role models in the hospitality space, Christine shares “it’s important to find support, a plan for the long term, stay positive and rest when needed to be a successful female entrepreneur.”
Must-try menu item
Jerk Chicken, of course! But Christine confirms, their Jamaican patties are also a popular hit.
FOXIES BAKESHOP, TORONTO
What started as a passion project, became an e-commerce business and is now a brick-and-mortar store in the heart of Toronto. Foxies Bakeshop is a Toronto success story. And a lip-smackingly delicious one too. With its powerful pink décor, and pretty-looking, delicious gourmet stuffed cookies often dubbed the best in TO, Foxies is the cookie shop of our dreams.
The ladies at the helm
Sisters Carly and Jessica are the brains behind the brand. While Carly brings her Baking & Pastry Arts expertise, Jessica plays her part as the business manager and official cookie tester (who could say no to that?). All they wanted was to create beautiful cookies that would feast the eyes just as much as the palette. And so they did.
The female advantage
As young female entrepreneurs, the sisters are not always taken seriously for their latest endeavour. “If you don’t take the risk, you’ll never know how far you can go. It’s a high level of stress in many ways so it’s a good feeling when your clients and new customers are respectful,” says Carly.
Must-try menu item
Picking a flavour is never an easy choice, but the Skor Butter Tart and Maple Blueberry Pancake are absolute stunners. Plus, it’s a unique flavour you can’t find anywhere else!
Let’s show these women-owned businesses our support by trying out these eateries.
You can follow DoorDash on Instagram to discover more inspiring stories from women-owned restaurants this month. And if you are or know a woman, BIPOC or immigrant-owned business on DoorDash, you can check out the Doordash website below to learn more about the program or sign up.
DOORDASH E&A PROGRAM
