Irene Smith was a lawyer and teacher before becoming an owner of the revived Woman’s Industrial Exchange. Years after the Exchange closed in 2002, Irene opened the Woman’s Industrial Kitchen in 2011 to restore the environment and familiarity of the original Exchange, working as the owner and chef. She simultaneously operated the Baltimore Souper Freak food truck.
Irene was mentioned in the 2014 book by Kathryn Wielech Patterson and Neal Patterson, Baltimore Chef’s Table, where she was described as an advocate for women’s rights, and her revival of the Exchange’s traditional menu with tomato aspic and deviled eggs was emphasized. She was praised for beautifully bringing in the building’s history and past. The lunchroom’s iconic black-and-white tile floor remained intact as well as other infamous objects such as the old cashier’s booth. Irene even filled the walls and even lunch tables with photographs of notable women, some famous and some not, which could have been a nod to Marguerite Schertle’s similar practices to remind customers of Baltimore history. Irene owned the Kitchen until 2014 when the business closed again. In March 2014, she gave a TED Talk for TEDxBaltimoreLive about the history and significance of the Exchange.
“This place is unique in the world. It’s the only restaurant dedicated to women’s history.”
Sources:
“An Institution Returns in Glory: Irene Smith Carries her Revived Woman’s Industrial Exchange to a Happy Ending.” Baltimore Sun, February 5, 2012.
“Baltimore Chef’s Table: Extraordinary Recipes from Charm City and the Surrounding Counties.” Kathryn Wielech Patterson and Neal Patterson, 2014.
“Food Truck Owner Planes to Reponen Woman’s Industrial Exchange.” Baltimore Sun, October, 20, 2011.
“Historic Lunchroom in Baltimore Reopens: Menu Would be Familiar to Many at Ex-Woman’s Industrial Exchange.” Baltimore Sun, December 7, 2011.
“Woman’s Industrial Kitchen Closes.” Baltimore Magazine, June 18, 2014.