You may recognize her as a resident judge on Top Chef Canada, but as the visionary behind Trattoria Nervosa and Gusto 54, in less than 10 years Janet Zuccarini’s trajectory has skyrocketed from a woman with a dream to one of our country’s most powerful female entrepreneurs.

It all started in 1996, after returning from 8 years in Rome, with the launch of Trattoria Nervosa in Yorkville which quickly secured its status as one of the city’s hottest restaurants. But Janet was already thinking bigger - in 2012 her expansion into the hospitality industry began and there was no looking back. First came Gusto 101 in the heart of King West and PAI Northern Thai Kitchen. A few years later, Gusto 54’s Catering and Commissary Kitchen were added to the growing roster, followed by the Gusto 54 online lifestyle boutique. In 2017, Janet expanded into the States with Los Angeles-based restaurant, Felix, which was lauded as Esquire’s “#1 Best New Restaurant in America" and Eater LA’s “Restaurant of the Year.” And this year Gusto 54 will branch out with the launch of a much-anticipated food product line and the opening of its newest King East outpost, Gusto 501.

Join us at the Season Premiere of the Women of Influence Evening Series on September 13th, for a rare opportunity to hear the compelling story of how Janet masterfully expanded her empire in what is considered a notoriously cutthroat industry. Whether you’re a fan or an entrepreneur looking for insight on how to position your brand for extraordinary growth, this evening is not to be missed.