INSPIRED BY
C re a t i n g a n E m p i re MEET LINDA DERSCHANG, A PNW LEADER AND ICON IN THE RESTAURANT INDUSTRY ARTICLE CAITLIN AGNEW | PHOTOGRAPHY ASHLEY GENEVIEVE
Restaurateur is considered a sexy title for anyone who owns a r e s t a u r a n t , b u t i n r e a l i t y, becoming a successful restaurateur is a hard-earned t i t l e a n d d o e s n o t c o m e e a s y.
HOW DO YOU DEFINE FEMINISM? Feminism for me is defined as equality and equal opportunity for all. Since I was a teenager I’ve consid-
Eighty percent of all new restaurants either close or
ered myself a feminist, and I’ve always cared about the
change hands in the first three years. Add to these
issues that surround women’s lives and their experi-
challenges that it’s a male-dominated industry, and it’s
ences. It’s incredibly important that we have the same
easy to see why Linda Derschang is considered a true
opportunities as men culturally, professionally and edu-
pioneer in the restaurant industry and PNW. Her Midas
cationally, since it wasn’t that long ago that regressive
touch started with her first bar in 1994, Linda’s Tavern,
legislation kept us on the sidelines.
known for its music ties with '90s grunge-like Nirvana. Her empire has become the Derschang Group, which
ARE THERE CHALLENGES WITH BEING A WOMAN
has launched 11 bars and restaurants. Aside from
IN THE RESTAURANT BUSINESS?
successful hot spots, the Derschang Group is known
Definitely. Early on one of the biggest challenges
for being passionate about community involvement,
was not knowing other women in the bar and restau-
equality causes and supporting independent arts.
rant industry. There were so few! I’m so grateful to now
Linda’s path is an example of fearlessly following one's
know so many smart and talented women involved in
bliss, with the right mix of staying tuned into culture,
food and hospitality. It really helps to have a strong
community and clients' needs. Bellevue Lifestyle sat
network in any industry, but it’s so key in male-dom-
down with Linda at her newest restaurant, Queen City,
inated industries—but I suppose most industries are
to talk feminism, lessons learned and inspiration.
male-dominated, unfortunately.
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Bellevue Lifestyle | May 2019