Multicultural Foodservice & Hospitality Alliance (MFHA) with its affiliates the National Restaurant Association and the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF), is celebrating 25 years of multiculturalism and diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) in the food and hospitality industry.
In 1996, 17 companies came together in Chicago to create the MFHA, to promote opportunities for people of colour in the restaurant, foodservice and lodging industry. Since its founding, MFHA has been making the business case for diversity and inclusion in the restaurant, foodservice and hospitality industries. Its mission has evolved from advocating for career opportunities for people of colour; to building cultural intelligence for companies and organisations across the nation.
People of colour represent approximately 47% of the restaurant and foodservice industry workforce. Additionally four in 10 restaurant managers and supervisors are minorities; that’s more multicultural managers than any other industry.
“For 25 years, it has been our goal to provide the information, tools and resources necessary to elevate diversity, equity, inclusion, and cultural competency across our industry,” stated Gerry Fernandez, President and Founder of MFHA. “As we look to the future, our hope is to make a positive impact on our industry; create opportunity; spark real change in our society; and make our communities better places to work and live for everyone.”
CELEBRATING KEY DE&I INITIATIVES
As part of the 25th anniversary celebration, industry leaders convened in Chicago at the National Restaurant Association headquarters to recognise MFHA milestones; and announce future goals. During the event, MFHA named Max Langenkamp, Chief Diversity Officer and Senior Vice President of Human Resources at Cintas, as the incoming Chair of the MFHA Board of Advisors. And, James Fripp, Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer of Yum! Brands and outgoing chair of MFHA, was honoured for his service.
Fernandez also highlighted several key MFHA and NRAEF joint initiatives to increase DE&I in the industry. They include:
- Pathways to Black Franchise Ownership – a new innovative franchising initiative sponsored by PepsiCo that is designed to equip aspiring entrepreneurs to operate high-performing businesses; with a goal of creating 100 Black-owned franchise restaurants by the end of 2023.
- Roadmap to Inclusion – a ready-to-implement best practices guidance for integrating DE&I into a successful business strategy that is sustainable and measurable.
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Industry Survey – in partnership with the National Restaurant Association, NRAEF, and Cornell University, MFHA is conducting the first comprehensive DEI survey since 2014. The results from the survey will provide hospitality companies information on how to better engage, grow and empower a diverse workforce at all levels. The survey will be released in early 2022.
KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS
“Congratulations to Gerry and the MFHA team for 25 years of success and integral work improving diversity, equity and inclusion and cultural competency in our industry,” stated Rob Gifford, President of NRAEF. “The Association and Educational Foundation are proud to collaborate with MFHA as we continue the ongoing work to rebuild our industry and set even higher standards for diversity, equity and inclusion from entry-level to the C-suite.”
Key MFHA accomplishments include:
- 1997: MFHA published its first “Report to the Industry,” outlining the business case and benefits of building a diverse, inclusive, and culturally competent organisation.
- 1998: First national conference highlighting The Dinner Table approach for building a diverse and inclusive organisation.
- 2000-on: Published research reports including The Diverse Executive Development Guide, Pocket Translations Guides, MFHA’s first ever Diverse Workforce Survey and Inclusive Website Assessment tool.
- 2007: A new focus on cultural intelligence in alignment and partnership with the National Restaurant Association.
- 2020: A new strategic plan focused on leadership development, community engagement, as well as Board and C-Suite diversity.
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