On June 12, 2024, Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez hosted the Celebrating Women in Restaurants panel discussion at LA City Hall to highlight the many challenges women specifically face in the restaurant industry, the value of this industry to LA’s economy, and the importance of women in leading roles. The event featured a great panel of speakers who run some of the best restaurants in Los Angeles.

“There’s no better person to bet on than yourself.”
- Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez

In attendance were EWDD leadership, who assisted business owners with questions. Additionally, various City departments and LA County Departments were there to provide business resources and answer questions from attendees.

“It's disheartening not to get the money you need. So many groups are out there to make a change.”
- Susan Feniger, Chef/Co-Owner, SOCALO & Border Grill

The panel engaged in a robust discussion regarding the difficulties women experience in opening and operating restaurants, the impediments of starting a business, and the financial component needed to manage a restaurant. Councilwoman Rodriguez later noted the importance of including these valuable insights into City policy making to improve outcomes for the entrepreneurs that go to great lengths and risk to invest in our city.

“The first relationship you should have [as a small business owner] is with your landlord.”
- Genevieve Gergis, Co-owner and Pastry Chef at Bestia

We thank Councilwoman Rodriguez for bringing together these women restauranteurs as mentors to engage, collaborate, and guide other local business owners. EWDD’s BusinessSource Centers offer resources to microenterprises, small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs in the City of Los Angeles. These efforts work to revitalize the local economy by helping business owners launch viable businesses, grow revenue streams and stabilize to create jobs. Visit EWDD’s BusinessSource Centers and learn how EWDD's Business Services can help businesses of all sizes.