Bri Dennis

Honestly, I think my success comes from a mix of hard work, strong relationships, and staying true to who I am—but I also credit a lot of it to my mom, who truly inspires me. Watching her succeed made me want to succeed just as much, and having her to look up to shaped who I am in my career.

She served for 24 years as a Navy Captain Nurse, and after retiring, she used her GI Bill to go back to school and become a chef—which is how Chef Pam’s Kitchen was born. Seeing her discipline, leadership, and willingness to start something completely new later in life taught me that it’s never too late to grow, pivot, or chase something meaningful.

Being part of a family-run business has really shaped how I lead—we collaborate, we adapt quickly, and we genuinely care about the people who walk through our doors. I’ve also learned the importance of listening to feedback and being willing to evolve, while staying rooted in our values and our community.

The best career advice I’ve ever received is that you don’t have to know everything—you just have to be willing to learn. Early on, that really took the pressure off for me. It reminded me that asking questions, admitting when you don’t have the answer yet, and surrounding yourself with people who are more experienced is actually a strength, not a weakness.

I would tell young women to trust themselves and not wait for permission to take up space. This industry can be fast-paced and demanding, but confidence comes from experience—and experience comes from saying yes, even when you’re not completely sure. I’d also encourage them to build relationships and support other women along the way, because community matters so much more than competition.

One of the biggest challenges right now is balancing rising costs and staffing while still delivering high-quality, meaningful experiences. But at the same time, that challenge creates a huge opportunity. People are craving connection, hands-on experiences, and a sense of community more than ever, and businesses that can offer something personal, memorable, and authentic really stand out.

The values that guide me most are integrity, kindness, and balance. I believe in treating people with respect, honoring commitments, and caring deeply about the work we do. At the same time, I try to remember that family, relationships, and well-being come first, and when those values are aligned, everything else tends to fall into place.