Building on a decade of impact, the nonprofit expands its programs to a state-of-the-art kitchen as it continues to support women and entrepreneurs citywide.
Hot Bread Kitchen, a nonprofit that creates economic opportunity through careers in food, is moving its headquarters to Brooklyn, New York in Spring 2020. The organization’s relocation to an 11,000+ square-foot kitchen and office is emblematic of Hot Bread Kitchen’s tremendous growth over the last three years and its commitment to expanding possibilities for underserved and underemployed New Yorkers.
“Since 2017, we have quadrupled the number of women we place in good food jobs and supported 200+ small food businesses,” said Shaolee Sen, Hot Bread Kitchen’s CEO. “By doubling our real estate footprint, we will be able to prepare more women to launch culinary careers, support more food businesses as they grow, and generate more opportunities in food that allow New Yorkers to thrive.”
“We are thrilled to welcome Hot Bread Kitchen to Brooklyn. For over a decade, their organization has helped women from a variety of backgrounds participate in the local economy and earn a decent wage,” said Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams. “At a time when Brooklyn’s economy is experiencing explosive growth in several sectors, including the restaurant industry, it is more critical than ever that the gains are equitably shared, particularly among communities that have traditionally been left behind or overlooked. Hot Bread Kitchen’s dedication to serving minority- and women-owned businesses and women who face barriers to entering the workforce will be a game-changer for Brooklyn, and will continue making New York City a more equitable place for all.”
Expanding Our Workforce Reach
In 2018, Hot Bread Kitchen’s workforce training model evolved to include comprehensive culinary skills in addition to baking, broadening opportunities in an array of food prep and kitchen roles and meeting demand from over 50 employment partners across New York City. The new model also includes wraparound social services to address barriers to employment, such as housing, food insecurity, childcare, and limited English language skills. By 2019, after two years of utilizing space generously donated by the International Culinary Center (ICC), Hot Bread Kitchen’s workforce program grew from graduating 25 to 100+ women annually.
“The International Culinary Center is proud to have supported the growth and development of Hot Bread Kitchen’s workforce program by providing kitchens and classrooms for training at our school. Their workforce and incubator programs will continue to flourish and provide opportunities for the local community from their new home in Brooklyn,” said International Culinary Center President Erik Murnighan, Member of Hot Bread Kitchen’s Incubator Advisory Committee.
“Hot Bread Kitchen has introduced so many extraordinary, talented, hard-working women to our company,” said Erin Moran, Chief Culture Officer of Union Square Hospitality Group, a New York City-based employer partner. “We are grateful for our long-standing partnership with Hot Bread — we believe so passionately in their inspiring mission and we know that when we source talent from them — we are adding incredible talent to our organization. We’re thrilled to continue to grow our partnership and place Hot Bread Kitchen graduates in our company.”
New Facility, New Small Business Opportunities
An organization beloved by those who support an equitable food system, Hot Bread Kitchen has created over 400 jobs and generated $100+ million in economic impact in New York City since its inception. For the last 10 years, Hot Bread Kitchen has been able to launch, test, and grow its programs in East Harlem, thanks to the support of the New York Economic Development Corporation, City Council, community organizations, funders, and shoppers.
“Hot Bread Kitchen has played a key role in revitalizing the culinary hub of La Marqueta by supporting the growth of careers for women and opportunities for small business owners,” said Council Member Diana Ayala, Member of the Committee on Women. “I am proud to see their programs evolve and look forward to our continued partnership as we work to support New Yorkers from all walks of life.”
Hot Bread Kitchen is thrilled to reopen the shared kitchen at 630 Flushing, previously home to the food business incubator Pilotworks. Hot Bread Kitchen’s small business team, which operates one of the country’s largest nonprofit culinary incubators, proudly serves 90% women- and minority-owned food enterprises. The incubator will continue to provide programmatic support in the form of shared commercial kitchen space, market access opportunities, and assistance securing capital and scaling sustainably. Hot Bread Kitchen’s relocation will allow the incubator to offer longer term tenancy options and serve a greater variety of businesses, with an expanded slate of offerings for existing members.
“As a former Pilotworks member, it is going to be amazing to be back in the space and have Hot Bread Kitchen be the ones to look over it and provide guidance. I think it’s going to be a fantastic fit,” said Hot Bread Kitchen Incubator Member Andre Springer, founder and owner of Shaquanda Will Feed You. “My business has grown, thanks in part to Hot Bread Kitchen, and I’m excited to grow even further in Brooklyn.”
“Small businesses give New York City its unique and vibrant culture. Hot Bread Kitchen’s investment in small business owners, especially minority and women entrepreneurs, helps build a more inclusive economy,” said Gregg Bishop, Commissioner of the NYC Department of Small Business Services. “Incubator programs like theirs provide striving entrepreneurs with the space, support, and market access they need to achieve their business goals.”
About Hot Bread Kitchen
Hot Bread Kitchen creates economic opportunity through careers in food and believes in a food system that equitably compensates talent, sustains a diverse workforce, and celebrates culinary tradition and innovation. Their work helps women, immigrants, and people of color thrive as workers and entrepreneurs within the food system, helping to make the system itself more conscious and equitable for all.
Hot Bread Kitchen was founded by social entrepreneur Jessamyn Waldman Rodriguez with the belief that careers in food can create economic opportunities. The organization’s unique model helps break through barriers and moves the food industry toward greater equity and sustainability.
More information: hotbreadkitchen.org.
- Workforce Development: Hot Bread Kitchen offers paid culinary and professional training and job placement to women facing significant employment barriers in New York City.
Application link: hotbreadkitchen.org/train - Small Business Incubator: Hot Bread Kitchen incubates diverse small food businesses as they build their brand, refine their products and grow their sales.
Learn more: hotbreadkitchen.org/incubates - Bakery: Hot Bread Kitchen sells a signature line of specialty breads inspired by the rich cultural traditions of the people they serve, with 100% of proceeds feeding their mission.
