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NRA celebrates Women's History month

The National Restaurant Association is celebrating Women’s History month this March by recognizing the contributions of many women who have achieved success in restaurants and promoted the industry.

March 23, 2015

The National Restaurant Association is celebrating Women’s History month this March by recognizing the contributions of many women who have achieved success in restaurants and promoted the industry.

Throughout the month of March, the NRA will host a series of videos, profiles, social media and digital content on the newly launched website AmericaWorksHere.org/Women.

Facts about women in the restaurant industry, issued by the NRA:

• There are more women in management and ownership positions in the restaurant industry than any other industry: 45 percent of restaurant managers are women compared to an average of 38 percent in other industries.
• More than half of U.S. restaurants are owned or co-owned by women, and women-owned businesses are growing at a faster rate than the overall restaurant industry.
• 61 percent of women have worked in the restaurant industry, and 37 percent of women say the first job they ever held was in a restaurant, providing a first start and career advancement for millions of people.
• 92 percent of women who have worked in a restaurant say the industry is a good place to get a first job and learn valuable skills.

"Restaurant jobs provide opportunities for women of all backgrounds and experience levels, helping them gain the experience they need to jumpstart careers," said Dawn Sweeney, president and CEO, National Restaurant Association, in a statement. "In restaurants, women have the ability to advance toward management or executive positions more quickly than most other industries."

"We are enormously proud of the leadership role that women play in the restaurant business, showcasing our industry as one of endless opportunity," she continued. "We salute the leaders who have helped build this industry, as well as every woman working in the industry today who is making a positive impact on her community."

Watch the video below for more information: