CHOP Celebrates Official Ribbon Cutting

Although CHOP: The Culinary Hub of Providence has been serving the community since this summer, the restaurant officially celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on October 9, 2024. The event brought together dignitaries, local leaders, and community members to highlight CHOP’s dual mission of delivering exceptional dining experiences and providing hands-on training to future culinary professionals.

U.S. Senator Jack Reed, U.S. Representative Gabe Amo, U.S. Representative Seth Magaziner, Lieutenant Governor Sabina Matos, Providence Mayor Brett Smiley, and leadership from Citizens, a longtime supporter and valued funder of CHOP, joined the celebration, commending the organization’s unique role as a social enterprise that blends culinary excellence with workforce development. CHOP, in partnership with Genesis Center, offers students from diverse backgrounds the opportunity to train in a fully operational restaurant, preparing them for careers in Rhode Island’s booming hospitality industry.

“Genesis Center does superb work connecting Rhode Islanders with services, support, and workforce training opportunities in a number of different fields. CHOP will strengthen their already impressive culinary arts training program, turning out new chefs and cooks with hands-on experience preparing foods and serving customers in a world-class restaurant in downtown Providence. I was proud to deliver a $342,000 federal earmark to make this new training restaurant possible,” said U.S. Senator Jack Reed.

Genesis Center Board Chair Dean Martins joined Shannon Carroll, President of Genesis Center and Board Secretary Ralph Kinder who expressed excitement for CHOP's official launch.

"We are thrilled that the Culinary Hub of Providence is finally a reality,” said Carroll. We look forward to welcoming guests to our unique training restaurant, a project that will prepare Rhode Islanders for a career in culinary arts while also supporting our local economy with a diverse and skilled workforce."

A Culinary Destination with a Community Focus

The ribbon-cutting event was a showcase of CHOP’s culinary talent, with guests enjoying a range of dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients, reflecting the diverse cultural backgrounds of its students. The event allowed attendees to experience firsthand how CHOP is contributing to both the food scene and culinary education in Rhode Island.

Josh Riazi, Chief Operating Officer of CHOP, emphasized the restaurant's dedication to sustainability, local sourcing, and community engagement, as well as its commitment to providing students with hands-on experience that bridges the gap between training and career readiness.

Empowering the Next Generation of Culinary Professionals

CHOP’s mission extends beyond food. It serves as a training ground for students enrolled in Genesis Center’s culinary program, offering practical, real-world experience that equips them with the skills and confidence to thrive in the hospitality industry. The event highlighted the success of CHOP's model, as students, dignitaries, and community leaders all came together to celebrate this unique culinary hub.

“Citizens is proud to be a longtime supporter of Genesis Center and their efforts to provide high quality education and job training that gives individuals the skills needed to achieve economic independence,” said Keith Kelly, Rhode Island State President at Citizens. “CHOP is an example of the innovative and impactful partnerships that are essential to addressing complex workforce challenges. The new workforce development café is helping prepare students for successful culinary careers by giving them paid on-the-job experience, all while contributing to the revitalization of Downtown Providence.”

Since its soft opening this summer, CHOP has quickly gained recognition for its artisanal dining and its impact on Rhode Island’s food culture. As it moves forward, CHOP will continue to serve as a cornerstone for culinary innovation, community support, and educational opportunity.

About CHOP: The Culinary Hub of Providence

CHOP is a groundbreaking dining destination located in the historic Providence Public Library. It serves as both a restaurant and a practical training ground for students enrolled in Genesis Center’s culinary program, empowering future culinary professionals while offering guests a vibrant, globally inspired menu. CHOP is committed to sustainability, local sourcing, and creating a dining experience that celebrates diverse cultures and flavors.

About Genesis Center

Genesis Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to education, job training, and support services, helping individuals of diverse backgrounds achieve economic independence.