People - Culinary Queens: Women Making Their Mark in the Food Industry

In an industry often associated with fast-paced kitchens, long hours, and youth-driven trends, there’s a growing group of women who are breaking stereotypes and proving that age is no barrier to success in the culinary world. Across the US, Canada, and the UK, women over 50 are making their mark, from award-winning chefs to home-based food entrepreneurs. These culinary queens are not only thriving, but they’re also redefining what it means to be a leader in the food industry.

Chef Deborah VanTrece

Chef Deborah VanTrece: Elevating Southern Cuisine in the USA

Deborah VanTrece is a force to be reckoned with in the American culinary scene. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, Deborah, 60, has built her career around modernizing and elevating Southern cuisine. A former flight attendant turned chef, she opened her restaurant, Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours, to rave reviews. Her unique take on Southern comfort food, which blends her international travels with traditional Southern roots, has earned her numerous accolades, including being named one of the "Best Soul Food Restaurants in America."

What makes Deborah stand out is not just her culinary talent but her commitment to uplifting other women and people of color in the food industry. At 60, she’s not only a chef but also an advocate, author, and mentor, showing that it’s never too late to make a mark. “Southern food is a reflection of culture, history, and the soul of the people who create it,” Deborah says. She uses her platform to highlight the rich history of African American cuisine while pushing boundaries with new flavors and techniques.

Deborah’s story is a testament to resilience and reinvention. After a career in aviation, she found her true passion in the kitchen, proving that success in the culinary world can come at any stage in life.

Chef Rosio Sanchez: Bringing Mexican Flavors to London

Rosio Sanchez, 53, was born and raised in Mexico before moving to the UK, where she’s become one of London’s most respected chefs in the Mexican culinary scene. With her restaurant Hacha, Rosio has introduced Londoners to authentic Mexican cuisine, with an emphasis on fresh, traditional ingredients like mole, tamales, and tortillas made from scratch.

At 53, Rosio’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. She entered the restaurant world later in life after working in various jobs, but her passion for Mexican food has always been a constant. “I wanted to bring the true flavors of Mexico to the UK, where people often only know the fast-food version,” she says. Her dedication to authenticity has earned her a loyal following and numerous awards for excellence in the industry.

Rosio’s story demonstrates that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams. As a mother and business owner, she’s balancing family life with running a successful restaurant, showing that age and experience can be powerful assets in the kitchen.

Janice and Helen’s Gourmet Preserves in Canada

Not every culinary success story comes from a Michelin-starred kitchen. In Nova Scotia, Canada, Janice, 57, and Helen, 61, have built a thriving gourmet preserves business from their home kitchen. What started as a hobby for these two best friends quickly turned into a full-time business when friends and family couldn’t get enough of their homemade jams, jellies, and chutneys.

Their company, Coastal Preserves, now sells products across Canada, and their artisanal, small-batch approach has earned them a dedicated following. “We never imagined that making preserves would turn into a business, but once we started getting orders from local shops, we knew we were onto something,” Helen explains.

The duo focuses on using local, organic ingredients, often picking the fruits and vegetables themselves from nearby farms. Their attention to detail and passion for preserving old-fashioned methods have made their preserves a hit at farmer’s markets and online.

Janice and Helen’s story is proof that culinary success doesn’t always require a professional kitchen. With creativity, hard work, and a love for good food, they’ve turned their passion into a profitable business that allows them to work on their own terms.

Margot Henderson: British Chef and Mentor

In the UK, Margot Henderson, 59, has long been a respected figure in the culinary world. Known for her simple yet elegant approach to cooking, Margot has been a champion of British food for decades. She co-founded Rochelle Canteen in London, where she serves up seasonal, ingredient-driven dishes that reflect her love of traditional British cooking.

What sets Margot apart is her role as a mentor and advocate for women in the food industry. She’s passionate about encouraging more women to enter professional kitchens and works tirelessly to create opportunities for the next generation of female chefs. “It’s a tough industry, but women bring something special to the kitchen,” Margot says. She believes that the wisdom and experience women accumulate over time can make them even stronger leaders in the kitchen.

Margot’s impact extends beyond her restaurant. She regularly hosts workshops and talks aimed at empowering women in the culinary field, ensuring that her legacy is one of inclusion, support, and delicious food.

Inspiring a New Generation of Culinary Leaders

These women, each over 50, are proving that age is not a barrier to creativity, success, or innovation in the food world. Whether running a restaurant, crafting artisanal preserves, or mentoring the next generation of chefs, they show that passion and talent have no expiration date. The culinary industry is all the richer for their contributions, and their stories inspire women everywhere to follow their own paths, regardless of where or when they start.