Member Spotlight:
Jasmine Kitchen

This member spotlight was originally published in August 2022. 

Have you ever heard of a social enterprise restaurant? Very few exist throughout the country however, Greenville is home to a very special initiative that you won’t want to miss. Jasmine Kitchen, a non-profit counter service lunch café that opened in 2020, is part of Jasmine Road, a long-term residential program for adult female survivors of sex trafficking, prostitution, and addiction.

Their food is incredible, the space is beautiful, and their team members are beyond attentive to the needs of their guests. Jasmine Kitchen is part of an innovative Social Enterprise Program that supports the mission of Jasmine Road by providing jobs in a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment for the residents and graduates of the two-year residential program. The women may choose to work at the lunch café or make candles and jewelry to earn money, develop new skills, and learn workplace professionalism all while building their resumes. Jasmine Kitchen is essential to the success of the overall program because the women must be able to obtain sustainable employment to experience long-term success after graduation. There is a tremendous social benefit to the larger Greenville community as the women become productive citizens by achieving financial independence.

Not only will you leave full, but you’ll also leave inspired by the impact Jasmine Kitchen makes in the community. Located near downtown Greenville, you’ll find Jasmine Kitchen tucked away inside a newly renovated 100-year-old home painted yellow, symbolic of the light that this community shines and the warmth that is shared each day. Between its welcoming atmosphere and the chef-driven menu of delicious scratch-made soups, salads, sandwiches, and sweets, it’s clear that warmth is the main course. 

Leading the team which is comprised of survivors, volunteers, and experienced kitchen staff, Chefs Tina Hogue and Kerrie Ostrander have brought a wealth of culinary experience to the table, having served at James Beard award dinners, and even dessert for the one and only Julia Child. Jasmine Kitchen is focused on creating and sharing health-conscious meals made from scratch with high-quality ingredients and nurturing a community that is immersed in love and mindfulness, using best practices for sustainability and the environment. 

This special space and the special ladies working inside are building a community of support while healing one another. When you’re in town, stop in and enjoy your time with these courageous women as they continue down a pathway of opportunity with a lifelong community of support.

After you’ve left with a full belly and a warm heart, be sure to tag us using #yeahTHATgreenville. Jasmine Kitchen is open for dine-in, patio, carryout, box lunch catering, and retail sales. Their locally made products, including hand-poured candles, jewelry, apparel, granola, and baked goods can be purchased at the restaurant or online at jasminekitchen.org.