Old Skool Cafe builds brighter future for at-risk youth in San Francisco

SAN FRANCISCO -- San Francisco's youth-run supper club Old Skool Cafe is an international soul food restaurant specializing in happy hour, dinner, live entertainment and more.

"That's the food component, but it's also the fact that you can mentor and nurture a group of youth," said Eddie Blyden, the chef at Old Skool Cafe.

Most importantly the jazz-themed spot focuses on breaking bread, building community, and supporting the next generation.

"Old Skool is targeted for at-risk youth meaning youth that have been formerly incarcerated, going through foster homes," said Bayro Crouz Opico, an Old Skool Cafe server. "Old Skool is here to break up that cycle, they can find a way to earn money legally and in a safe way."

The founder and President of Old Skool Cafe, Teresa Goines, wanted to showcase what at-risk youth is capable of achieving and give them a second chance.

"I was a correction officer years ago working with juveniles, and then I started this journey, I did gang prevention, I did a lot of support services for families," said Goines. "I was trying to figure out for a while, what would be that holistic piece that's offering economic support, but also a sense of community and purpose."

Goines focused on providing work opportunities for at-risk youth so they can build a brighter future. It all started in her home, which became a training ground.

"I'd move all my furniture and we'd invite friends over," said Goines. "Volunteer chefs like Chef Eddie Blyden and others in the restaurant industry that would come and teach cooking, they would teach hospitality, front of the house."

Eventually, Goines was able to acquire building space and open Old Skool Cafe where youth could take their learnings and serve the community of San Francisco.

"The community here is amazing, everybody really cares and looks out for each other," expressed Lex, a server at Old Skool Cafe. "I did struggle with going between homes, I'm still kind of struggling with that. But, Lisa, one of my life coaches, has really helped me figure out that process and that's something you just don't find anywhere."

Those who have worked for and been mentored through Old Skool Cafe have gone on to find success and many have founded their own businesses.

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