HOSPITALITY FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE

Hospitality for Social Justice (HSJ) was created in partnership with food industry leaders in an effort to build more equitable workplaces and provide quality employment for fellows.

BECOME A PARTNER

WE BELIEVE THAT THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY CAN SERVE AS A TOOL FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE.

The U.S. food and hospitality industry is a cornerstone of the nation's economy. It is a major entry point for young workers, immigrants, and justice-involved individuals, offering many their first jobs and flexible employment options. The sector has historically had high turnover rates, but we believe that through collaborative partnerships and by investing in the talented young people we serve entering the food and hospitality business, we can change the industry.

1 in 10 working Americans is employed in food service or hospitality.

$ 1.1 trillion in sales is projected to be generated by the food & hospitality sector in 2025.

70% turnover rate is experienced in the food & hospitality sector.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW..

Along with our core values, we believe that there are key components needed to build strong and effective partnerships that lead to successful hiring and long-term retention. Below are principles that should be upheld by both the Drive Change team and our Hospitality for Social Justice Business Partners. We also look to our Ethics of Care as guiding priciples as we build a more equitable food and hospitality industry.

READ OUR ETHICS OF CARE

COLLABORATION & COMMUNICATION

We agree to honest conversations about our capacities, needs, and experiences working on the ground. When we agree to a working committee, we take ownership of our end of the work and follow through on commitments. Communicating early and often is key.

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EVALUATION & FEEDBACK

We guide decision-making and evaluate shared progress through data analysis and frequent communication. If something is not working, we will brainstorm improved processes or alternate routes to get to our shared goals.

INCLUSIVE

We strive to create communities and workplaces of belonging where Drive Change fellows feel safe and supported to learn, grow, and take ownership of their careers.

EMPLOYER PARTNERS

Our Hospitality for Social Justice employer partners are committed to hiring, mentoring, and investing in the growth of our graduates as they begin their food careers. We are excited to highlight this small group of our partners and the success stories of alumni within their businesses.

Union Square Cafe

Tyasia trailed at Union Square Cafe, and secured a role with their team before her training period was over. When asked about her performance, the Union Square Cafe team said ”From day one, Tyasia was one of our top performing fellows from the Summer 2024 cohort. Tyasia acted as a mentor and leader among her peers and impressed staff with her hospitality skills.

Caffè Panna

Brandon began working at Caffè Panna in 2020 after trailing at the Gramercy Park location. Since then, he has continued to grow and thrive as a leader, becoming a manager for their two locations. When asked about what has been fullfilling Brandon shared "The most fulfilling part working at Caffè Panna for me would be working with Hallie and seeing how hard she worked to build this business from the ground up. To then see all the progress it made over the years to the point we are at currently — we have a second location in Greenpoint, including having our ice cream in multiple restaurants, cafes and supermarkets. Plus the team is just fun to be around and I have made some great friends along the way that I cherish deeply."

Melba's

Rafael trailed at Melba’s, and was offered a full time position at the end of his trail period. When asked about his journey he shared, “Last year was probably the worst year of my life. I felt lost and was hopeless after facing my legal issues that stopped me from working. At Drive Change that all changed, I found hope again.”

The Meat Hook

Kiana, "K.I.", impressed the team at The Meat Hook from day one of her trail. Her initiative and attention to detail stood out immediately. In their words: "The first day K.I. was in the produce department and set a beautiful produce case. Without asking they put together one of the most organized brussels sprout displays we ever had, which our owner called out as amazing and had to show off to every employee. K.I. is an awesome worker!"

BKLYN Blend

Brianna trained at Brooklyn Blend, and was offered a role within the company. Reflecting on her experience during the Fellowship, Brianna shared, “Drive Change has taught me the most valuable thing in life. You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream! As Ratatouille says, ANYONE can cook!"

Porchlight

Henry completed his training at PorchLight and secured employment by the end of his four-week Fellowship trail. A year later, we’re proud to report that Henry is still thriving in his prep cook role!

The Sylvia Center

Zaire, trailed at The Sylvia Center, and was offered a position within their organization before his four-week trail period ended. When asked about his performance the team said, "Zaire played an important and great role during his time with the Sylvia Center. Always ready to work and take initiative, he strives to support the team while also being hands-on with the students. His engagement with the students has always been energetic and encouraging.”

Shake Shack

After starting at Shake Shack in an entry-level, minimum-wage position, K.I. used the tools she gained through Drive Change to rise quickly. We’re proud to share that she has since been promoted to a trainer role, where she now helps onboard and guide new hires and junior staff.

The Victoria

Dejeurnetta, “Deja”, trailed at The Victoria. Although there were no open roles at the time, the team expressed their strong interest in hiring her as soon as an opportunity arises. In recognition of her exceptional performance, Executive Chef Melvin Johnson attended her graduation to present her with a special hospitality award.

ALL PARTNERS

2 Chix

2 Girls and a Cookshop

Bartleby & Sage

Bonnie’s

Bonbite Catering

BKLYN Blend

Caffè Panna

Cervos

Coco Bred

Constellation Culinary/Cornell Tech

Eat Offbeat

Ebi-Ayo Supper Club

FieldTrip

GaddyLane

Grovehouse Hospitality

Lakou Cafe.

Lighthouse BK

Lost Borough Ice Cream

Melba’s Restaurant

Palenque

Porchlight

Rosemarys

Safari

Shake Shack

Soul Bites

Sweet Catch

Sylvia Center

The Hatch

The Good Good

The Meat Hook

The Marlow Collective

Therapy Wine Bar 2.0

The Victoria

Union Square Cafe

READY TO START A PARTNERSHIP?

Drive Change has year-round partnership opportunities for hospitality businesses, including hosting a culinary fellow for a four-week paid externship, access to job-ready candidates for your open roles, and the ability to invest in the next generation of the workforce.

If you are interested in learning more about how you can become a Hospitality for Social Justice partner, please provide your contact information below, and a member of our team will be in touch shortly.