Business or Organization

The Backdrop

Restaurants, cafes, coffee shops, and bars are key fixtures in our communities, infusing flavor and character, they create a sense of place and belonging and anchor communities in being a hub for people to gather and connect.

As the restaurant industry continues to recover, and regains its trajectory to become the fourth largest employer in the country, there are huge opportunities to re-imagine and re-build the industry, creating dignified jobs that honor people over profit.

Zooming in on California, a third of the state’s labor force is made up of essential workers with low-paying jobs, this is expected only to grow more prevalent over the next decade. Women, and women of color in particular are overrepresented in these low wage jobs. And those who have a past with the justice system, young people transitioning out of the foster care system, and those facing housing insecurity, face significantly higher barriers in not only finding a quality job, but keeping it.

Economic stability plays a major role in the quality of life in any community, and as one of the most unequal states in the country, it is time to re-imagine and build an economy that works for all.

There are different approaches to this work, and one viable route is the creation of more worker cooperatives. Worker cooperatives often provide above market pay and benefits, greater control over working conditions, provide voice in decision-making, asset building through sharing of net profits, and a greater sense of well-being and dignity.

Building an economy that works for all, means not just creating more jobs, but creating quality jobs. Jobs that pay a living wage, offer benefits, predictable schedules, and safe work environments. But also go above providing for basic needs, a good job should create a space where people have agency and autonomy and have what they need to do great work. A space to find meaning and purpose, a space to grow and belong.

Discover Apprenticeship

The Discover Apprenticeship will be a 12-month journey for women overcoming barriers to employment, it will create space for women to grow as leaders in the community, ignite skills and passions, set and crush goals, and dream big dreams. Taking a whole person approach, it will create space for self-discovery, building agency, and prioritizing mental health and wellness.

Apprentices will receive training in running all aspects of the café, including marketing, customer service, operations, food prep, cooking, menu curation, and managing events.  

Discover plans to partner with local nonprofits and organizations to provide wrap around services, including:  

·       Trainings on foundational mindsets and skills to be successful in the workplace

·       Financial planning and coaching on building financial assets

·       Leadership development

·       One on one therapy sessions

·       Mental health services

·       Trainings that will aid apprentices reach their goals, entrepreneurship, going back to school, etc.

For apprentices who desire to continue in the hospitality industry, they will be invited to be an owner of the café, participating in the management and governance of the café.