Earlier this year, a new presence at Sacramento’s Empress Tavern turned on the lights in the historic venue with a vision for a neighborhood-centric event space. Alchemist Community Development Corporation, a nonprofit dedicated to connecting communities to local food and economic opportunity, took over management of the Empress Tavern with the aim of creating a space that not only celebrates Sacramento’s diverse food culture but also supports local farmers, food entrepreneurs, and equitable access to good food for all.
With those goals in mind, partnering with Juma to staff this community-centric venue was a perfect fit. After learning the ropes through training provided by the Empress Tavern team, Juma youth began their first shifts this fall with entry-level roles in hospitality. In addition to offering Sacramento Juma youth options for shifts outside the stadium environment, working at the Empress Tavern will also provide new avenues for career growth.
“Our ultimate goal for the young people who come through Juma’s program and learn hospitality work at Empress Tavern is for them to be sought after for entry-level employment in the hospitality industry,” explains Zach Hunter, The Empress Tavern’s Site Manager. “I want local hotels to come to us and ask if we have any young people ready to hire for banquet staff and brick-and-mortar restaurants because they know these youth are getting a great baseline of accountability and personal responsibility, and they can succeed in these roles.”
Zach, alongside Chef Dennis Sydnor, the Empress Tavern’s Culinary Manager, is also invested in providing Juma youth with a supportive work environment. Working hand-in-hand with the Juma Sacramento team, they learned skills in trauma-informed management from a curriculum developed by Juma, leaning on our more than 30 years of experience working with high-barrier youth.
“I’m truly excited to build with Alchemist CDC for so many reasons. They bring not only a wealth of experience in food and hospitality, but also a shared commitment to creating safe, supportive spaces where young people can genuinely grow,” says Donna Franklin, Juma Sacramento Site Manager. “This partnership opens the door for Juma youth to strengthen their skills, build professionalism, and explore real career pathways in hospitality. More than just jobs, this partnership is about empowering them to envision a future in this industry. I’m looking forward to seeing our youth thrive through this intentional and supportive collaboration.”
If you are a resident of the Sacramento area, we hope you will stop by a community event at The Empress Tavern to see this powerful collaboration in action. Through partnerships like this one, we can create a future in which all young people have the opportunities and support they need to step confidently onto the career ladder and begin their lives as adults with the tools they need to thrive.
