The LEE Initiative

It’s the final stretch! ONE day left to bid on Beyond the Barrel VIP Experience on Charitybuzz. The LEE Initiative is auctioning off a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create a barrel of Maker’s Mark® Private Selection at the renowned Maker's Mark Distillery, (6) 4-day Park Community Mint VIP Weekend tickets to Bourbon and Beyond - the world’s biggest Bourbon festival featuring Zach Bryan, Dave Matthews Band, Tyler Childers, Neil Young & 75 more artists over five stages, plus celebrity chefs, bourbon panels and more, an intimate dinner with Chef Edward Lee, a Forge Initiative Messermeister, Inc. knife autographed by Chef Lee, and a luxurious overnight stay at The Samuels House in Samuels, Kentucky. Visit the link in our bio to learn more! #TheLEEInitiative

The LEE Initiative is incredibly honored and humbled to receive the 2024 Humanitarian of the Year Award from The James Beard Foundation. This recognition signifies the incredible work and dedication of our team, our volunteers, and all those who have championed diversity, equity, and empowerment within the restaurant industry. We are deeply grateful to the James Beard Foundation for this prestigious award. It shines a spotlight on the importance of fostering a more inclusive and equitable culinary landscape, where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to our dedicated partners: Audi of America, Maker's Mark Distillery, OpenTable,Olo, Kraft Heinz, Chase, EDENS, and Toast.org. Your unwavering support allows us to continue our mission and make a real difference in the lives of restaurant workers. This award is a testament to the collective power of collaboration. Together, we can create a brighter future for the restaurant industry, one where talent and passion are valued above all else. Thank you once again. With deepest gratitude, Lindsey Ofcacek, Edward Lee, and The LEE Initiative Team

"We firmly believe that the restaurant industry is in a momentous time of transition right now and the worldwide pandemic only heightened our awareness of these issues. Restaurants are valuable, restaurants are cultural, restaurants are essential to America’s identity." - Lindsey Ofcacek, Co-Founder of The LEE Initiative

BIG NEWS for us. This Thursday, April 11, we're launching our 2nd knife within the Forge Initiative. This time, we've collaborated with award-winning Chef Edward Lee and Maker's Mark Distillery with a percentage of the proceeds benefitting The LEE Initiative. More info here: https://lnkd.in/gE2VqBDP

We are honored to work along side you and grateful for your partnership!

Had such a wonderful time with The LEE Initiative and She DC a few weeks ago speaking on a panel with some of the most incredible and inspiring women who are doing amazing things in the culinary world which includes pioneering a revolutionary new restaurant concept coming to D.C. in June, M. Frances.

The LEE Initiative is proud to announce the all-female culinary team for M. Frances led by Chefs Taylor Davis, AuCo Lai and Liliana Myers, working closely with Mentor Chefs Amy Brandwein and Lisa Donovan. Opening in the Union Market District in Washington, D.C. this summer, M. Frances is pioneering a new model for fine dining by launching a five-year restaurant designed to implement real time research and solutions for independent restaurants seeking to be more sustainable, innovative, and fair. With the help of university partners, mentor chefs, and an in-house research team, M. Frances will tackle some of the most pressing issues facing the restaurant industry and publish the findings in an open-source method so that anyone can access it. We look forward to sharing more info in the coming weeks! To support our mission, please visit the link in our bio. #LEEInitiative #MFrances

Meet another Black Kitchen Initiative grantee: Effie Richardson, the owner behind Dakar Nola, a modern Senegalese tasting menu restaurant that beautifully intertwines the coastal flavors of Dakar and New Orleans! Chef Serigne Mbaye’s childhood memories in Senegal come to life through multiple courses, inspired by west African dining traditions and prepared with a modern twist. Dakar NOLA’s commitment to community is evident in their monthly guest chef collaboration series, fostering diversity and supporting non-profits like Cafe Reconcile. Join Dakar NOLA and continue building bridges through food by supporting their vision! #MeetTheGrantees

Introducing another Black Kitchen Initiative grantee: Devon Philbert, the driving force behind Taste and Toast, where family, food, and black excellence take center stage! Specializing in upscale catering, Taste and Toast elevates every occasion with delicious cuisine, elegant staging, and attentive staff. Devon is deeply committed to community, and the “feed-the-fam” initiative reflects this dedication. It provides working families with free, gourmet to-go meals, fostering a sense of support. As Taste and Toast grows, so does its impact, creating a space where the community celebrates BIPOC entrepreneurship, family values, and a commitment to culinary excellence. Join the journey of Taste and Toast, where every event is a testament to the beauty of family, food, and community pride! #MeetTheGrantees

Meet Danielle Harris, the creative force behind Little Food Studio! Tucked in the heart of Petworth, DC, this carry-out concept is not defined by its size but by the immense flavor, creativity, and heart it brings to the local culinary scene. Since opening in 2021, even amid a global pandemic, Little Food Studio has been a haven where culinary artistry meets the charm of a cozy European café. Danielle creates a stable and positive work environment for her staff—an honor she holds dearly. The outpouring of love reflects in the warm ambiance, personalized service, and the sense of family that envelopes every customer. Join us in celebrating Danielle’s commitment to creating culinary experiences that go beyond dining! #MeetTheGrantees