Refugee-staffed Restaurant To Run Brooklyn Library Concession

CARROLL GARDENS, BROOKLYN — Emma's Torch a nonprofit that provides culinary training to refugees and survivors of human trafficking, will expand beyond the doors of its Carroll Gardens restaurant next year. The organization announced that it will run the Brooklyn Central Library's concession starting in February.

The organization helps refugees, asylums and survivors of human trafficking find careers in the food industry, including training them by working at the full-service restaurant on Smith Street. The new partnership with the Brooklyn Public Library, the organization said, will extend that apprenticeship program and allow the students to learn new skills.

“We’re excited to partner with such an important local institution that is dedicated to lifelong learning and community,” said Kerry Brodie, executive director of Emma’s Torch in the announcement. “We look forward to bringing our delicious food to the library, and to expanding our training program to encompass both locations.”

The apprenticeship will go from two months to three months and include new training such as barista, customer service and commissary production skills. Students with Emma's Torch will also have access to the library's range of free classes, the organization said.

So far, the nonprofit has trained nearly 30 students since opening in 2017. Each class averages about four students, but Emma's Torch said this likely will increase with the added space at the library.

The library's 1 million patrons each year can expect healthy, sustainable food from the new concession leaders, Emma's Torch said.

“Brooklyn Public Library is delighted to welcome Emma’s Torch to Central Library, and we look forward to a long and meaningful partnership,” said Linda E. Johnson, President and CEO of Brooklyn Public Library. “In addition to serving wholesome food, the organization empowers people with free education and career training, which squarely aligns with the Library’s mission. We, too, ensure Brooklynites have access to the resources they need to thrive.”

Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images.