CHEFS CLUB
Chefs Club is an entrepreneurship program supporting and accelerating economic empowerment opportunities for refugee and immigrant chefs.
While serving the refugee and immigrant community, RWN has identified that these New Americans are enthusiastic and hopeful to build their new lives in their new homes. However, they are under tremendous pressure to adapt quickly and face high barriers to formal economic entry and self-sufficiency. Lack of resources, businesses structures, networks, and funding often prevent refugee and women entrepreneurs from formalizing their businesses.
Despite these challenges, they have this valuable asset: their vast knowledge of age-old cooking recipes and techniques. Many of them are accomplished chefs and have a keen interest to venture into the food industry, some starting unofficial home businesses without the necessary support or infrastructure for long-term success. These talented women deserve an opportunity to build successful businesses and a community to create connections across demographic and linguistic divides.
We offer a structured incubator environment.
Chefs Club helps participants formalize, grow, and sustain their food-based businesses with industry-specific technical support, guided market access, affordable commercial kitchen space, and a variety of additional wraparound services.
We turn dreams into goals and goals into reality.
We guide our chefs through: relevant business licensure, including ServSafe certification; businesses planning, formalization, and development; English language support; mentorship with industry experts and peer supports; financial literacy, including credit and asset building and micro-business resources; and access to catering and market opportunities for income generation.
The ultimate goal is for Chefs Club entrepreneurs to formalize their businesses and graduate to retail spaces, restaurants, and other brick-and-mortar dreams catered to their businesses.
rwn CHEF’S CLUB IMPACT
50 active chefs spanning 18 countries of origin and over 13 languages
Over 150 markets attended
$150k in income generated for the entrepreneurs
Our Services
Shared Kitchen
Chefs Club oversees the operation of a fully equipped commercial kitchen, where our network of trained chefs can schedule and rent kitchen space at an affordable rate. Our chefs now have the means to cater to larger orders and expand their income potential, benefitting themselves and their families. The shared kitchen is also available to rent for other women-run food businesses in the community.
Catering
Whether you have a social gathering, corporate event, or celebration, Chefs Club has you covered.
Deluxe package
Business Package
Drop-Off package
Connect with our chefs
Breshna Alemi has been an inspiring Chefs Club chef since 2024. A mother of four and originally from Afghanistan, Breshna has become one of Chefs Club’s most popular and sought-after chefs for her exceptional cooking, dedication, and warm hospitality. Her commitment to excellence and rapid learning have earned her a place as a lead Chefs at the Decatur Farmers Market, where she sells out nearly every week! Breshna has also participated in over 50 markets and more than 20 catering events, and she is a regular presence at RWN fundraisers and large events.
Breshna’s journey is a testament to resilience and ambition. Despite the challenges of resettlement, she continues to pursue her dream of owning her own food business and venue. Her unwavering determination and passion have made her a role model within the refugee and culinary communities. Breshna Alemi is living proof of what’s possible when talent meets opportunity.
Meryem Ali joined Chefs Club in 2023 and quickly became known as the Queen of the Samosa. A devoted mother of two, she was born and raised in Ethiopia and came to the United States in 2010. Her signature dish, the lentil samosa, has become the most requested item by Chefs Club clients and customers alike. Whether at the Decatur Farmers Market, Trucking Tuesday, or local festivals, her samosas are always a hit! Another standout dish is her flavorful beet and lentil soup, which has gained a loyal following.
Beyond her incredible food, Meryem is known for her reliability, punctuality, and generosity. At every major Chefs Club event, she consistently demonstrates leadership and care, especially toward new chefs, earning her widespread respect from her peers. Meryem’s compassion extends beyond the kitchen; for example, she once asked to be paid less for an event supporting Muslim youth simply to show her support for the cause. A true leader, a talented chef, and a role model in her community, Meryem Ali continues to inspire through both her food and her spirit.