PRESS RELEASE: Women in hospitality to take center stage at RC Show 2026

Building on the momentum of International Women’s Day, RC Show 2026 will honour the changemakers transforming Canada’s culinary and hospitality landscape

TORONTO – Restaurants Canada is proud to announce that women in hospitality will take centre stage as a key focus of RC Show 2026, taking place Sunday, March 8 to Tuesday, March 10 at The International Centre in Mississauga. Building on the momentum of International Women’s Day (Sunday, March 8), RC Show’s Women in Hospitality Day (Monday, March 9) will highlight the achievements, creativity and leadership of women shaping the future of foodservice and hospitality.

Restaurants Canada’s President and CEO, Kelly Higginson, underscores the need to champion women in hospitality leadership. “Women make up more than half of Canada’s foodservice workforce, and the sector is making real progress toward a more inclusive environment,” she says. “But there’s still a long way to go—women hold only about 30 per cent of management roles and even fewer C-suite positions. Day Two of RC Show 2026 is about celebrating the success stories of women in foodservice, and the leaders who are strengthening the talent pipeline, repairing the industry’s ‘broken rung’ and creating clear, equitable pathways for women and other equity deserving groups to advance.”

Presented by PepsiCo, Women in Hospitality Day will feature a compelling programming lineup and an exclusive Networking Reception — an in-Show extension of Restaurants Canada’s dish. event and content series created to help connect, elevate and empower women leaders and rising stars in hospitality and foodservice. The reception leads directly into a fireside keynote with Janet Zuccarini, Founder and CEO of Gusto 54 Restaurant Group. As one of Canada’s most influential hospitality leaders, Zuccarini will share the philosophies and leadership insights that have shaped her career and personal journey, offering a rare and candid look at what it takes to build enduring restaurant brands and resilient teams.

The dish. content series also features Chockie Tom — Indigenous bartender, drinks advocate, and Founder of The Cornsilk Road — who joins RC Show 2026 as the official Bar & Beverage Keynote on Sunday, March 8. “I’ve had the chance to collaborate with First Nations peers from Canada, both virtually and in person,” says Tom. “What matters most is the conversation. I’m honoured to bring my perspective to a new stage and to keep learning.”

Yes Shef GTA Announces 2026 Chef Roster

As part of RC Show’s Women in Hospitality programming, WORTH Association will host Yes Shef’s firstever event in the Greater Toronto Area, a one-night tasting experience celebrating the talent and creativity of women in foodservice. Taking place on Monday, March 9 at 5:00 p.m. in the Conference Centre Ballroom at The International Centre Conference Centre, the event will feature 15 tasting stations led by some of Canada’s most respected women chefs and restaurateurs.

The 2026 roster includes Suman Ali (Bar Mordecai), Evelyn Chick (SIMPL THINGS; Evelyn Chick Projects), Eva Chin (Yan Dining Room), Donna Dooher (Mildred’s Temple Kitchen), Nicole Hynes (Sand & Pearl), Charlotte Langley (Nice Cans), Alida Solomon (Tutti Matti), Laurel Prentice (Moxie’s), Erica Karbelnik (Karbs Catering & Private Events), and Marissa leon-John (Elle Jays) with additional participants to be announced.

“We are honoured to partner with Restaurants Canada to advance equity and create meaningful change across the sector,” says Joanna Jagger, Founder & CEO of WORTH Association. “This program provides mentorship, scholarships, and opportunities for women to take centre stage and showcase their creations. We are thrilled to bring Yes Shef to Mississauga alongside RC Show in our shared effort to retain, develop, and advance women in F&B.”

To purchase tickets for Yes Shef GTA 2026, visit rcshow.com.

RC Show 2026 will also feature expanded programming dedicated to women’s leadership and advancement, including:

• Bar & Beverage Keynote: Chockie Tom
• Women in Hospitality Day Keynote: Fireside Chat with Janet Zuccarini, Founder & CEO, Gusto 54 Restaurant Group Presented by PepsiCo
• The Disruptors: Women Leaders Share Strategies for Impact

Restaurants Canada’s commitment to gender equity is a key organizational priority reflected not only in its programming but also across its leadership and event teams, where women — including the President & CEO, COO and CFO as well as the majority of its directors and staff —play significant roles in shaping the association’s work. Women in Hospitality Day is anchored within RC Show 2026’s broader theme, Into the Beyond, which invites the industry to step away from legacy constraints and look toward a future shaped by reinvention, connection, inclusion and growth.

Interested in covering RC Show, Canada’s leading foodservice and hospitality trade event? Please submit your Media Accreditation application prior to February 22, 2026. For more information and the latest updates, please visit www.rcshow.com.

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