The restaurant industry was tested like never before in 2020. For the businesses that survived — and even thrived — the common thread was strong leadership and inspiring company culture. Last year’s social justice movement also spurred important conversations about what organizations must do to increase opportunity and access for all. 

That’s why the 2021 Power List celebrates the best in restaurant leadership — those who demonstrate innovation and resilience, who champion diversity and inclusion in their companies, and who strengthen the industry with leadership and knowledge sharing.

But true leadership is never just about one person. It ripples throughout companies and the communities they serve.

So this year, we added a new element to the Power List: inclusion.

Restaurant Hospitality is putting the spotlight on eight independent operators who are part of the 2021 Power List class.

They are among 25 restaurant leaders — selected by the editors of Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality — whose keen leadership helped their organizations navigate the COVID crisis. We then asked each of those leaders to point to a Power Player on their team who embodies the mission and values of their organization.

The goal is to demonstrate the power of inclusive leadership and the benefits that can come from giving everyone within an organization access to opportunities to lead.

We hope you will be inspired.