The Blooming Bistro is making a significant impact by providing a supportive environment for at-risk youth and second-chance adults. Founded by siblings Samantha and Mark Steele, the restaurant is located in Las Vegas and serves as a platform for individuals like Jennifer Barios, a recovering addict, to rebuild their lives.
Jennifer, who faced drug-related challenges during high school, found new purpose through her role at the bistro. The establishment focuses on equipping employees with essential skills for the job market, emphasizing the four cornerstones of recovery: home, health, community, and purpose. The restaurant partners with organizations such as Mission High School and St. Jude’s Ranch for Children to employ individuals who are often experiencing their first jobs.
The Steeles, leveraging their family background in the restaurant industry and their personal experiences with recovery, have created a social enterprise that is sustained through food sales and community support. Chef Calvin Shiflet, with his extensive culinary background, provides training in kitchen operations, further enhancing the skills of the employees.
The restaurant menu is designed to support holistic wellness, featuring dishes free of seed oils and offering gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options. Each meal is crafted to “feed the body and nourish the soul,” aligning with the bistro’s mission of supporting recovery and personal growth.
By fostering an environment of learning and development, The Blooming Bistro not only serves meals but also offers hope and a path toward sustainable employment for its employees. Through this initiative, individuals like Jennifer Barios are empowered to pursue new career aspirations, such as coding, with the support of the community and partner agencies.
