An Analysis of Determinants of Career Success for Elite Female Executive Chefs

This qualitative study investigated the career success of three elite womenchefs in fine dining restaurants to identify the processes and conditions that enabledthem to achieve and maintain executive chef positions in this historically male-dominated field. Each chef manifested an early passion for food. Drive, determination, talent, and a strong work ethic surfaced as they secured initial culinary training.The two who achieved three-star success were mentored by a classically-trainedAmerican male chef. To maintain and expand their success, it was necessary forthem to create celebrity for themselves and their restaurants. The conflict created when these women attempted to balance work and family life was of such significance, that the satisfactory resolution limited their entry into two-star status,primarily, into two groups: female chef/owners and female chefs without families.