#United States #Los Angeles #SoLa Foundation #60th Street Cafe #Kitchen to Capital

SoLa Foundation Launches 60th Street Cafe

On October 13, 2025, the SoLa Foundation proudly announced the grand opening of the 60th Street Cafe, an initiative aimed at combatting food insecurity in South Los Angeles. Located at 1000 E 60th Street at The Beehive, this cafe is more than just a restaurant; it is a culinary workforce development program designed to enhance access to nutritious and affordable meals for the community, while simultaneously empowering local youth through job training.

The 60th Street Cafe is set within a food desert, a term that describes areas with limited access to healthy foods. Given the challenges many South LA residents face regarding food availability, this cafe represents a significant step toward improving the overall health of the community. By providing affordable and nutritious meals, it fosters a healthier lifestyle among local residents.

Empowering Youth Through Culinary Education

The core of the café's mission lies in its educational program, the Kitchen to Capital Program, which aims to facilitate career development among young adults. In collaboration with the Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity, the cafe will train 100 students over the next year through a six-week paid fellowship. This fellowship covers essential areas such as culinary arts, restaurant and catering operations, entrepreneurship, and workplace soft skills.

Students engaged in this program can expect a hands-on learning experience, where they will not only gain culinary skills but also actively participate in the cafe’s daily operations. This experience not only provides real-world insights but also significantly bolsters a student's resume, making them competitive candidates in the job market upon graduation.

The program aims to mold the next generation of chefs and restaurant entrepreneurs, equipping them with the necessary skills and professional experiences needed to thrive in the hospitality industry. Sherri Francois, the Chief Impact Officer of SoLa Impact, highlighted the initiative saying, “This cafe is an investment in the next generation of chefs, entrepreneurs, and leaders from South LA.” By effectively merging training with practical work experience, this initiative ensures that participants walk away with deeply valuable tools and knowledge.

Community Partnerships and Social Responsibility

To enhance the effectiveness of the training program, the SoLa Foundation has teamed up with various local culinary establishments including Dulan's Soul Food Kitchen, Alta Adams, and Chef's Catering. These partnerships provide students with internship opportunities, mentorship, and pathways to employment upon graduation from the Kitchen to Capital program. With the community’s collective efforts, the cafe stands to not only be a dining space but a thriving educational hub.

All proceeds from the cafe's operations will directly support the Kitchen to Capital program and the broader mission of the SoLa Foundation, which focuses on combating intergenerational poverty and opening avenues for educational and economic opportunity in historically underserved communities.

Grand Opening Ceremony

The grand opening festivities include a ribbon-cutting ceremony, guided tours of the cafe and kitchen, and tastings of signature dishes prepared by the inaugural cohort of culinary trainees. This event marks a new chapter for South Los Angeles, symbolizing hope, opportunity, and a brighter future for its residents. With the launch of the 60th Street Cafe, the SoLa Foundation takes significant strides towards contributing to the economic and social revitalization of the community.

In a world where access to healthy food often determines community well-being, projects like 60th Street Cafe highlight the importance of culinary education and food accessibility. By creating training opportunities alongside a quality dining experience, the SoLa Foundation is making lasting impacts that resonate far beyond the walls of the cafe.