Our mission
Throughout Central Florida, we have seen an increase in crime and a decrease in employment.
Chef Empowerment's objective is to reverse these statistics by offering vocational training and immediate job placement for individuals who successfully complete our program.
We are partnering with corporate & local mom and pop restaurants to offer employment opportunities and vocational skills that can put these individuals on the path to success.
We are completely dedicated and passionate about training our future culinary leaders!
Our Executive Chef
After graduating from the Santa Fe Kirkpatrick Institute of Public Safety in 2011, Carl Watts began his journey as Gang Intervention Specialist with Gainesville Police Department's Black on Black Crime Task Force. He worked with "at-risk" adults(ages 18-24), specializing in Crisis Intervention and Life Skill Development. Chef Carl became an mentee of Chef Bert Gill, who noticed Watts love for food. Chef Carl is now the chef of Blue Gill Quality Food in Gainesville, Fl. We're happy to have him serve as the Executive Director of Chef Empowerment.
Underground Kitchen
At Underground Kitchen, we utilize local produce, seafood, poultry and beef to create delicious southern inspired dishes for our guest. With our facility's unique size, we only offer curbside pick-up with limited meals prepared each evening. Our goal is to provide our guest with the freshest & highest quality ingredients while pairing them with the great service that you all deserve.
Simultaneously, UK serves as a place of mentoring & nourishing youth, promoting healthy-sustainable eating practices, and life skill development & job placement for young adults. Oh, and of course, as our test kitchen to vigorously test our recipes to be served to our community.
With the continued love & support from our community, aligned with the reality of our size as a local small business, I cannot guarantee that we will be able to serve all of our guest each evening. I can assure you though that you have a team that is dedicated to your satisfaction and ensuring that you are continuously exposed to the best food we can provide( this is place where patience definitely pays off). I look forward to meeting you all and thank you for all of your support.
- Chef Carl Watts
Hours of Operation: Wednesday -Sunday 4pm-8pm, with 7:30pm serving as our "last call"
***CURBSIDE ONLY- PLEASE CALL 352-451-4113 TO PLACE YOUR ORDER***
Underground Kitchen's Cooking Class Registration
Lets Make a Change Together
Your donation will employ youth throughout Central Florida & provide individuals with a vocational skill that will allow them to put meals on their family's table for a lifetime!!
