Ready for another bite-sized episode to get your week started on a good note?

In this episode of the Women in Restaurant Leadership podcast, I'm joined by Cheryl Fletcher, chief development officer at Tropical Smoothie Cafe. She shares her inspiring (and unconventional) journey to the C-suite and what it’s like to lead in the fast-paced world of QSR.

Cheryl discusses stepping outside her comfort zone, her bold leadership style, and the strategies behind Tropical Smoothie’s rapid growth in recent years. She also offers valuable advice for aspiring women leaders, insights into balancing brand expansion with consumer trends, and her vision for the future of women in the restaurant industry.

See you next time... thanks for tuning in!

In this episode of Women in Restaurant Leadership, I sit down with MJ Riva, CEO of Pizza Factory, to explore her journey in the restaurant industry and the evolution of her leadership style. MJ shares powerful insights on finding your voice, embracing discomfort to grow, and navigating challenges with confidence and authenticity.

We discuss how she’s used her unique perspective to drive brand growth at Pizza Factory, the role of mentorship in empowering others, and strategies for asserting authority in high-pressure situations. MJ also offers advice for emerging leaders on building support networks and fostering environments where women feel empowered to speak up and lead.

So sit back, relax, and take a bite out of this episode 🍕 ✨

Happy New Year, #WiRLFam!

In this episode of the Women in Restaurant Leadership podcast, I’m joined by Tara Gilad, President and Founder of Vitality Bowls, a fast-growing superfood café franchise that has transformed the healthy dining landscape. Tara shares her inspiring journey from her health-conscious upbringing and entrepreneurial roots to founding a brand driven by a deeply personal mission—creating safe, nutritious dining options for those with food allergies. 🥗🍎🥕

We’ll explore how Tara overcame early challenges to build Vitality Bowls into a nationally recognized brand with over 70 locations, her approach to innovation through ventures like Harvest Kitchen, and the strategies behind the company’s rapid expansion into new markets. 🚀

Tara also opens up about the importance of educating future generations on healthy eating, the evolving trends in the wellness food space, and how she balances the demands of leadership with her personal life.

Plus, don’t miss Tara’s insights on leadership as a female entrepreneur, advice for aspiring business owners, and her answers to some fun rapid-fire questions—including her favorite Vitality Bowl creation and the superfoods that didn’t quite make the menu!

Welcome to 2025, everyone!