Today is International Women’s Day and in honor of that we’ve compiled a list of a few stellar women in our local hospitality industry who are stepping up their game and creating memorable experiences for all of us. Cheers to them!
Cristie Besu
As the founder of Eat Me Guilt Free, Besu created a healthy snack company that offers protein-packed, low-carb baked goods from brownies to tortilla wraps. You can find her products all around town including GNC, The Vitamin Shoppe, Walmart and online on Amazon. But she’s not stopping there. Last year Besu launched the “You Glow Girl” grant program to offer women entrepreneurs a chance to win a $10,000 grant for their business. Its initial year received more than 300 applicants and it’s back again this year, with applications now open!
Ginger Flesher-Sonnier
Throw Social, Delray’s newest trendy hangout, is Flesher-Sonnier’s second outpost of the entertainment venue. Enter a fantasyland where delightful spirits and fare effortlessly blend with a live music concert hall alongside exhilarating axe throwing. There is definitely something for everyone here.
29 S.E. 2nd Ave., Delray Beach; 800/561-0755; throwsocial.com
Jenny Oz LeRoy
As the great-granddaughter of Jack Warner (of Warner Brothers) and daughter of Kay and Warner LeRoy (owners of Tavern on the Green, The Russian Tea Room and original Maxwell’s Plum), LeRoy has reinvented the original concept and brought it south. Sharable snacks include deviled eggs, wagyu steak tartare and oysters Rockefeller. The menu also features a raw bar, pizzas, steaks and a few specialties like The Plum Burger and spaghetti carbonara.
12300 S. Shore Blvd., Wellington; 561/793-2110; maxwellsplum.com
Jenniffer Woo
Woo knows how to stay busy. She’s the executive pastry chef at Charlie & Joe’s at Love Street and is also currently competing on the Food Network’s Spring Baking Competition. Her passion for her craft can be tasted with every indulgent bite of her desserts and pastries.
1116 Love St., Jupiter; 561/532-3280 lovestreetjupiter.com
Mary Orlando
As the chief operating officer for Coyo Taco, Orlando oversees the growth of this taco joint that is taking the world by storm. From its flagship location in Wynwood to international outposts in Paris, Lisbon and Panama, Coyo delivers savory Mexican street food to hungry diners. It recently expanded into South Florida with its new Fort Lauderdale location.
401 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale; 954/766-1292; coyo-taco.com
EVENT
In case you’re in the area tonight, check out “That’s What She Said” hosted by The Shops of Donald Ross Village and Cactus Grille & Tequila Bar. The panel, which will feature local successful women including Jordan Brown, co-owner of the restaurant, will be a conversation about how leaders are shaping the Palm Beach Gardens community.
4650 Donald Ross Rd., Palm Beach Gardens; 561/249-3090; thecatcusgrille.com
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