Black History Month: Conveying the power of diversity in the industry

Restaurant careers are as diverse as the industry's workforce. Positions range from restaurant-level to corporate C-suite in areas including management, training, and culinary and service jobs, to operations including tax and finance oversight, nutrition, human resources, food safety, information technology, franchise relations and supply chain leadership.

True diversity, equity, and inclusion are critical to our industry’s success in all areas of business. 

This year, during Black History Month, the National Restaurant Association shares the achievements of three executives who cite support and encouragement in their upbringings, mentorship in their work experiences and absolute belief in one’s own abilities to make a difference in their respective businesses. They are: 

• Damola Adamolekun, the 33-year-old wunderkind financier turned CEO of P.F. Chang’s
• Debbie Roberts, Executive VP and COO of Panera Bread
• Wayne Davis, Chief People Officer of Red Robin Gourmet Burgers

Each describes the opportunities, challenges, and encouragement they’ve experienced and how that’s helped them become leaders in the industry. They also offer tips and best advice to the next generation of aspiring leaders who are aiming to build their own successful careers.