Flavors From Afar is a one-of-a-kind restaurant and social enterprise of the Tiyya Foundation providing refugees and asylum seekers interested in culinary arts the platform to showcase their cuisines. Each featured chef is given the opportunity to hone their culinary skills in a restaurant setting, gain valuable work experience, and receive a percent of gross sales. Additionally, forty percent of Flavors from Afar’s proceeds helps maintain Tiyya’s programs providing economic resources for refugees, immigrants, and displaced indigenous communities.

We are pleased to present this grant report narrative starting with an overview of our milestones, outcomes, challenges, and successes of Flavors From Afar, shedding light on its remarkable impact and the promising prospects it holds for LA’s future. LA2050’s commitment has been instrumental in making a positive difference in the lives of refugee chefs and our program's overall success.

A rotating global menu became a pivotal milestone, showcasing a diverse range of cuisines and dishes from different countries. This expansion not only highlighted the culinary talents of a wide variety of chefs but also enriched the dining experience, offering patrons a glimpse into the intricate flavors of diverse cultures. By establishing a loyal customer base and fostering community engagement, Flavors from Afar actively bridged the gap between the refugee chefs and the local community. Our impact in the community is regularly evaluated by various Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) such as public Yelp reviews, number of guests visiting the restaurant, and amount of media recognition we receive. Other KPIs such as the number of catering jobs, private dinners, and participation in Los Angeles food festivals allowed for deeper connections and a richer cultural exchange.

Our executive chef provided a nurturing and safe space for 20 chefs to explore culinary instructions and build essential skills in a commercial kitchen. As a response to Covid-19, we ensured that each chef received one on one attention as we are currently transitioning into a group class environment with our culinary program coordinator, Julie Vautrot. Individual training each month includes the following outcomes: personal menu development, commercial kitchen training, professional headshots, media training, and personal bios. This foundation has been crucial in their journey toward professional growth and self-sufficiency. The support provided by our program enabled our chefs to step out of their home kitchens and into commercial spaces, where they honed in on their talents, gained real-world experience, and developed the confidence to excel in the culinary industry. These skills can open doors to employment opportunities in the wider food industry, empowering them to build successful careers. We have provided valuable on-the-job work experience to six formerly displaced chefs in our back of house team with one full time resident chef. Additionally, a combined total of $25,000 (averaging $1000 per person) was provided to our chefs as 5% gross sales of their menu items over the course of one year, helping them on their path to economic self-sufficiency.

While the journey of Flavors From Afar is marked by achievements, it is not without its fair share of challenges. Balancing the authenticity of diverse cuisines with local tastes and preferences has been a delicate challenge. Ensuring that the dishes resonate with the local community is essential. The process of finding that balance is an ongoing endeavor. In a competitive restaurant market, gaining visibility and recognition is a continuous challenge. Effective marketing and outreach efforts are necessary to attract customers and sustain the restaurant's operations. Flavors from Afar must navigate the complex terrain of the culinary industry to maintain its presence. Achieving financial sustainability while simultaneously supporting the chefs and the Tiyya Foundation's programs is a complex balancing act. Managing costs and revenue streams requires meticulous attention to detail and strategy.

Glaring in our mission to support various immigration status, leaving us to navigate legal hurdles for our chefs has been a multifaceted challenge, requiring a commitment to ensuring that all chefs have the necessary work permits and visas to contribute to the restaurant fully.

The most significant success is in empowering refugee chefs. The restaurant has given them a sense of purpose, income, and the opportunity to showcase their culinary skills. It has transformed lives and given these chefs a renewed sense of dignity. Building a loyal customer base and community support is a measure of success, indicating that the restaurant is fulfilling its mission of connecting with the local population. Flavors from Afar has become not just a dining establishment but a cultural hub where the community comes together.

LA Times continues to list Flavors from Afar as one of its top 101 Best Restaurants and we maintain the Michelin Bib Gourmand title. This recognition validates the quality of the food and the impact of the initiative, bringing well-deserved attention to the refugee chefs and their inspiring stories.

Our refugee chefs' remarkable work has received over 25 mentions on TV, newspapers, radio, blogs and media outlets, including CNN, Spectrum News, LA Times, Good Day LA, the Christian Science Monitor, and the Guardian. This recognition not only celebrates their culinary skills but also highlights their inspiring stories.

More than 50% of our chefs are active participants in Tiyya's family services and economic advancement programs. This collaboration has provided them with crucial support to manage their finances effectively and plan for a brighter future. LA2050’s support during the 2022/2023 grant cycle has enabled us to refer private catering opportunities to our chefs. This initiative has given them direct control over their finances, significantly improving their economic prospects. For example, Chef Farah from Iran had the opportunity to cater a local convention and obtained over $4000 in revenue, with the support of Flavors from Afar.

We welcomed Julie Vautrot as the Culinary Program Coordinator employed by the Tiyya Foundation. Under her leadership, we have introduced classroom-style programming for our chefs. This initiative has enhanced the learning experience and provided them with a structured educational platform. Under Julie's guidance, we are planning to set up our chefs in various farmers' markets near East Hollywood in partnership with former LA2050 recipient, the Thai Community Development Center. This partnership will provide our chefs with a taste of entrepreneurship and broader exposure. Moreover, in collaboration with our Economic Advancement Specialist, several chefs have had the opportunity to work in corporate settings.

Our program has celebrated the achievements of 20 chefs from 18 countries, allowing them to learn American business customs and etiquette, including punctuality, establishing contracts, and customer service. Previous chefs from our program have gone on to establish their businesses, such as Malia's Kitchen in Minneapolis and Mama Lina's home catering. We are pleased to introduce our new catering chefs, Menal from Eritrea, Sny from Haiti, Mohamed from Egypt, and Farah from Iran. Most of whom were participants in the 2023 inaugural gala from the UN-Women Peace and Humanitarian Fund.

Support and visibility from LA2050 catapulted Flavors from Afar’s popularity to a level where we can expand and further professionalize by moving to a new space. Opening for catering in Winter 2023/24 and restaurant dining in March 2024, this new space offers more seating area, an updated kitchen, and adjoining program and office space for various events and classes. The new Hollywood location boasts increased easy parking, public transit access, and a more central location. Our new home will also allow patrons to see Tiyya in action and build support for the primary reason for our creation - to support the displaced people Tiyya serves.

In conclusion, your generous grant has empowered refugee chefs in Los Angeles, enabling them to build successful careers and brighter futures in the culinary world. Your continued support has made a significant impact, and we look forward to achieving even greater milestones with your partnership in the future.