Introduction to the 60th Street Cafe

The 60th Street Cafe, a new student-run cafe and culinary training program, opened to the public in early November as part of a nonprofit organization’s goal of helping underprivileged youth build careers in the food and hospitality industry while offering affordable food to the neighborhood.

When diners eat at a new South L.A. restaurant, they’re not only going to get their fill of hearty comfort food dishes, they may also be helping to launch the next great local chef or restaurateur.

The Mission of the SoLa Foundation

The 60th Street Cafe is part of the SoLa Foundation, a nonprofit organization that works to empower underprivileged residents of Los Angeles with workforce development training.
The foundation opened the cafe and culinary training program at its campus dubbed The Beehive at 1000 E. 60th St.
“We train our students. They’re in the kitchen, they’re learning all things within a very short amount of time. It’s an intensive program and then we work to place them afterward,” said Sherri Francois, the executive director of the SoLa Foundation.

The Training Program

The cafe trains students in every aspect of the food industry, from running a restaurant to waiting on customers to cooking in the kitchen and coming up with new menu items.
“We can equip them with the skills they need to get jobs in the hospitality industry, including starting their own restaurants,” Francois said.
“They’re learning all things in the kitchen like how to make sauces, how to prep chicken, how to serve, presentation, cost analysis, customer service,” she added.

Menu and Student Experience

Currently diners can order dishes such as the 60th Street Breakfast Burrito, burgers, avocado egg rolls, sandwiches, wings, bowls and other items.
“I thought this was amazing. I thought this was the best opportunity for people who want to learn,” said 25-year-old Compton native Cheresse Colbert, one of the first students in the program who now plans on opening her pop-up and catering business after training at the cafe.
“At the end of the journey I know for sure I’m going to be in the food industry,” said Colbert, who created pies for the menu during her time at the cafe.

The Impact of the Cafe

Currently there are 12 students learning about the food industry at the cafe, which is open to the public with all profits going into the workforce program.
“All of our dishes are very flavorful, our chefs pride themselves on maintaining that. And here’s the best part, not only will you love the food but you know that you’re also continuing to indirectly inspire these future chefs, these future culinary experts,” Francois said.
The 60th Street Cafe is located at 1000 E. 60th St. Los Angeles, Los Angeles. Operating hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday. For more information go to thesolafoundation.org/culinarycafe

Conclusion

The 60th Street Cafe is a unique and innovative approach to culinary training, providing underprivileged youth with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the food and hospitality industry. By supporting the cafe, diners are not only enjoying delicious food but also contributing to the development of future chefs and restaurateurs.

FAQs

Q: What is the 60th Street Cafe?
A: The 60th Street Cafe is a student-run cafe and culinary training program that provides underprivileged youth with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the food and hospitality industry.
Q: Where is the 60th Street Cafe located?
A: The 60th Street Cafe is located at 1000 E. 60th St. Los Angeles, Los Angeles.
Q: What are the operating hours of the cafe?
A: The cafe is open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday.
Q: How can I learn more about the cafe and its programs?
A: For more information, visit thesolafoundation.org/culinarycafe.