Real Estate, Real Impact: Why Women Should Lead in Restaurant Development

When people think about restaurant success, they often focus on food quality, service or marketing. But there’s another factor that can make or break a brand long before the first meal is served: real estate. The right site selection strategy is just as critical as a great menu, and in my experience, women bring a unique and necessary perspective to the process.

The Power of Perspective in Site SelectionWomen drive about 70 percent of household purchasing decisions yet they remain underrepresented in restaurant development and commercial real estate. That’s a missed opportunity. Women bring a consumer-focused, practical approach to site selection, considering factors like accessibility, convenience and the realities of daily life.

For example, a busy mom picking up dinner on the way home from work isn’t just looking for a great meal — she’s looking for an easy experience. A drive-thru might be the difference between her choosing one restaurant over another. As restaurant…