The SoLa Foundation announces ribbon cutting and grand opening of 60th Street Cafe, a culinary workforce development program and social enterprise to improve food access in South LA

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On Monday, October 13 the SoLa Foundation, the non-profit affiliate of SoLa Impact, will celebrate the grand opening of 60th Street Cafe, A SoLa Culinary Kitchen at The Beehive, 1000 E 60th Street, in South Los Angeles. The cafe will provide nutritious affordable meals to the community, helping to improve the local food desert. 

60th Street Cafe will also house the Kitchen to Capital Program, a workforce development initiative that trains young adults from classroom to career. In partnership with the Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity, Kitchen to Capital will train 100 students over the next 12 months through a six-week paid fellowship covering culinary arts, restaurant and catering operations, entrepreneurship and workplace soft skills. Graduates then receive on-the-job-training. The social enterprise serves breakfast, lunch, coffee and specialty drinks with students participating in the operations of the cafe, providing students with real-world experience to build their resume.

"This cafe is an investment in the next generation of chefs, entrepreneurs, and leaders from South LA," said Sherri Francois, Chief Impact Officer of Sola Impact. "By combining hands-on training with meaningful work experience, we're creating opportunities that have a lasting impact on our students and community."

SoLa has partnered with local culinary leaders and institutions including Dulan's Soul Food Kitchen, Alta Adams, Chef's Catering, Rio Hondo AJCC and others to provide internships, mentorship, and employment opportunities. SoLa is grateful to our partners who are dedicated to placing program graduates into fulfilling careers in hospitality.

Proceeds from the cafe will power the Kitchen to Capital program and The SoLa Foundation's mission. The ribbon-cutting ceremony will include a guided tour of the cafe and kitchen, as well as tastings of signature menu items prepared by the inaugural cohort of culinary trainees.

About the SoLa Foundation:

The SoLa Foundation , 501(c)(3) nonprofit affiliate of SoLa Impact, works to end intergenerational poverty through opening new access to educational and economic opportunity. The SoLa Foundation provides access to education and skills-based technology programming, college scholarships, and economic and career development opportunities for under-resourced youth and adults.

SOURCE SoLa Foundation