Only 20% of head chefs identify as women, according to 2023 data from recruitment website Zippia, which also showed that only 34% of restaurants in the United States are owned by women. Based on that report, gender equality in the culinary field remains a challenge, but one New York-based company is doing everything it can to even the scales.
GMI POST spoke with Katsu Zen founder and CEO Tomoko Omori, who has made it her mission to raise women’s roles in the restaurant industry by mentoring and advocating for women entrepreneurs wanting a career in the food business.
Calling itself “the gateway to successfully launching a restaurant in the United States,” Katsu Zen USA provides restaurateurs with customized online courses, exclusive restaurant tours, access to food and beverage events, comprehensive market research, and marketing strategies.
It also organizes lectures on U.S. market expansion, property and franchise acquisition, operations management, and leadership.
Outside of Katsu Zen, Omori reaches out to fellow professionals as a writer and motivational speaker, sharing her journey and insights across the country. Her role as a board member of the New York Japanese Restaurant Association strengthens her influence in the industry.
Asked about her experience as a woman in the culinary field, Omori said: “As women, it seems common around the world for us to accept our weaknesses, support each other, and learn from each other. I realized this for the first time when I was surrounded by female entrepreneurs at an EO Global event in Hiroshima. It was the first time I was surrounded with women entrepreneurs, especially Asian women entrepreneurs.”
“Women are beautiful – soft on the outside but strong and supportive deep down. I have so much admiration for them and I get inspired by all their journeys,” she added.
Through her work in and out of Katsu Zen, Omori hopes to embody the spirit of innovation and empowerment.
