SEATTLE — For more than 30 years, FareStart has meant a new start for nearly 15,000 people working their way out of poverty. People like Sean Bates.
"The warmth and the welcome of the people here in the program, it didn't take much convincing at all," Bates said.
Bates is a student in the nonprofit's job training program. He and other participants learn what it takes to run a restaurant and catering operation, by preparing food for customers and providing meals to those in need.
"The kitchen can be very stressful," he said. "But it's a good stress. You accomplish something in the end, and that just makes you feel good, and you're ready for the next challenge."
The program uplifts and supports students inside and outside the classroom.
"Housing, transportation, counseling," Lund said. "It's so vast, and really just great work being done."
The group's South Lake Union restaurant was put on pause by the pandemic.
"It was just waiting to come back to life," said Michael Lund, Director of Social Enterprise Retail at FareStart. It recently reopened with speedy breakfast and lunch counter service.
"More of a casual restaurant atmosphere," Lund explained.
The facility is also available for catered special events and Fare Start's signature Chef Nights, featuring guest culinary talent from other local restaurants.
"It's bringing in some of the best chefs in the city," Lund said. "There is this kinship and this common bond that we all share, which is the love of food, the love of hospitality."
FareStart is all about their stated mission: Transforming lives through food.
"A lot of people won't give you that chance," said Bates. "Fare Start gave me that chance."
FareStart Restaurant is located at 700 Virginia Street in Seattle. It's open Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
KING 5's Evening celebrates the Northwest. Contact us: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or Email.