The wait is over and the FareStart Restaurant is back!

The FareStart Restaurant isn’t just a great place to eat lunch, experience Guest Chef Night or host a catered event – it is the heart of our Adult Culinary Program. The restaurant has provided job training opportunities for thousands of students looking for a way out of homelessness and poverty.

FareStart students and staff welcomed everyone back on May 1 after refreshing the restaurant in the month of April. There are lots of changes including new carpet, furniture, lighting fixtures and a mural that pays tribute to our students as they journey toward a new future.

The FareStart Restaurant lunch menu has been updated as well. It will include old favorites – French fries with house-made carrot ketchup, veggie Reuben, fish and chips – as well as some new dishes such as the Seattle dog and jerk spice braised pork sandwich. Beer, wine and cocktails are now be available for lunch. Guest Chef Night is now officially back at the FareStart Restaurant on Thursday evenings.

This project would not have been possible without incredible partners. Turner Construction and architectural and design firm NBBJ went above and beyond in their work with us and provided pro bono services and volunteer support. A huge thank you to the State of Washington, which helped fund the refresh and updates to our kitchens. We also thank Dozfy and Kate Reingold for their collaborative mural painted on the mezzanine level of the restaurant – beautiful and inspirational!

During the refresh, Maslow’s, our restaurant in South Lake Union, took over Guest Chef Night. Our heartfelt gratitude to the guest chefs, staff, volunteers, students and apprentices who did an excellent job adjusting and making the events extra special.

We will be fine-tuning the FareStart Restaurant in the coming weeks, but the space has reinvigorated us and we hope that it gives you a thrill too. And remember, our mission is fueled by the community and the revenue from our restaurants, catering and cafes. The profits go right back into supporting our mission and our students. We look forward to seeing you soon.