Sexism still exists in the kitchens of Sudbury

So, I've worked in a few kitchens.  I've worked in a celebrity chef's kitchen.  I worked in a small local spot in town.  I decided to explore working the back of the house in a locally run restaurant.  I am choosing not to name the restaurant, but, I can say that it did close and recently re-open with the same name and a new menu that features an american 'pub' style feel and margaritas.  There were several listings for jobs at this restaurant and I thought it would be nice to continue to work and learn in a smaller kitchen.

I got the restaurant owner on the phone.  I was told, point blank, that "I don't normally hire women.  There is a lot of work in a kitchen."  I stuttered a bit, said ok, but then noted that his wife runs both kitchens.  Who, may I ask, gave her a start?!  I was then told that he "might consider a woman if they had ten years of experience."  I was then asked my age.  

I did sit down with the business owner and had a pleasant, yet slightly odd conversation. He told me that he runs restaurants with a high attention to detail.  This all being said as I glanced down and handed him an oyster fork that was in his place setting instead of a salad fork.   I told him I was determined, would work the long hours and didn't mind taking next to nothing in pay to learn.  After a week of not returning messages I was told he hired someone with more experience.  However, there are still multiple job postings for the same restaurants and position.

I decided to ask my friends who work in a variety of restaurants in the city (some owners, some executive and sous chefs and others are waitstaff) to find out if this is a common trend.  Consistently, I have been told this is not a regular practice.

Shame on this business owner and his practices.  I have been clear that I will steer any aspiring females away from his restaurant.  I can't believe that one local business owner would treat an aspiring local this way, just because I am female.