Nonprofit Farestart Unveils Its Amazon Expansions in July

Farestart, the nonprofit that offers food service job training to people struggling with poverty, addiction, homelessness, or a criminal record, will open five new dining spots on Amazon’s South Lake Union campus in late July.

The expansion is made possible by a major donation from Amazon announced in February, enabling Farestart to launch a new Foodservice Apprenticeship Program and nearly double its reach over the next ten years.

The donation from Amazon includes more than 25,000 square feet for a new full service restaurant, three fast-casual cafes, a coffee shop, a catering venue, and training classrooms. As with the current three restaurants, the new restaurants will be open to the public.

Here’s the lowdown on the new dining spots: There’s Maslow’s, a full-service casual restaurant and bar at 380 Boren Ave N, named after Abraham Maslow, who developed the well-known theory of motivation called the hierarchy of needs. The restaurant will serve lunch, happy hour, and dinner, with small- and large-plate options.

Then there’s the three-in-one market-like dining hall at 399 Fairview Ave N called Community Table, which will house a barbecue spot with smoked meats and a vegan option, a “bowls” shop serving grain bases topped with seasonal vegetables, and a salad bar with tossed-to-order plates.

Finally, Rise will constitute a cafe, also at 399 Fairview Ave N. Open from early morning to late afternoon, the shop will serve coffee, tea, kombucha, and cold brew on tap, plus pastries, sandwiches, soups, and salads.

Farestart’s highly respected program currently operates two cafes and one full-service restaurant, all of which are open to the public. The charity also operates a popular Guest Chef Night, a weekly fundraising event that features a different chef each time preparing a three-course meal with Farestart student assistance.

Stay tuned for updates as these new expansions announce opening dates.