JB Kitchen started in April 2020 at the start of the first lockdown.
Working as an Executive Chef for a local pub group, I was furloughed, going from working 70+ hour weeks to doing nothing (which proved very challenging!).
The initial intention for JB Kitchen was to both keep me occupied and to help out our local area. At the time people were struggling to buy the essentials such as flour, bread, milk, eggs and pasta at the local supermarkets and those who were normally helping and supporting family members now couldn't do that. I put a post on our local Facebook page asking if anyone needed some help and the response was massive, with someone suggesting I set up a Facebook page. So that's exactly what I did! I came up with a simple menu and also offered 'essentials' boxes, all to be delivered directly to your door.
At present everything is cooked from fresh in our home kitchen and every family member willing to help is roped in to delivering or helping to box things up. To say we have cooked and delivered highlights such as 100 x 10-course tasting menu's on New Years' Eve and 99 x 3-course meals for a Arthritis Support UK's Christmas Function on 5 domestic hob rings and a double oven is crazy! It really has been something I shall remember forever!!
As the pandemic carried on, I decided to take the scary step of taking redundancy from my executive chef position. I had always wanted to set up on my own and felt that if I didn't take the plunge and carry on with JB Kitchen, I would regret it!
As mentioned it has always been an intention to support our community where possible. From delivering essentials to the elderly, free school meals and collecting for the food bank. At Christmas we collected toys for children and at Easter we managed to collect nearly 500 Easter eggs to give out to people needing a bit of a boost. Because of all of this JB Kitchen has very much transformed into a part of the local community and not just a business selling food. Now it is my turn to ask for help.
The generosity and support we have received from day 1 has been unreal, and to top it off this year we have been shortlisted in The Great Food Club Awards. To have your continued support and encouragement as I embark on the next step would really mean the world!
What JB Kitchen plan's to offer
We aim to offer great quality food using ingredients from local producers.
We will have:
- Fresh Bread & Pastries for breakfast
- Great tasting coffee
- Breakfasts
- Home Deliveries will still be available
- Variety of Drinks & Cakes
- Sandwiches & Lunches
- Our famous Beef Wellingtons will of course be on offer to eat in or takeaway!
- Themed Evening Menus
What’s The Funding Target?
We’re hoping to raise £15,000 though Crowdfunder.
You may not have the means or desire to pledge financially, that is totally fine! There is no obligation whatsoever, however if you would like JB Kitchen to become a destination you would love to go to and you have the means to do so, then please pledge. We would love your support and your involvement would help us achieve our dream!! Any help including sharing this campaign on social media to simply telling your friends and family will really help!
How your pledge will turn into reality
The café in it’s current state is just an empty shell with no catering facilities or furniture. A new kitchen needs to be fitted and a restaurant area is needed to help us transform this into a beautiful space for everyone to come and enjoy.
We aim to get the keys and start paying rent at the end of September, so we would be on a tight time frame to get the Bistro open as soon as possible, hopefully by the end of October.
Your pledge is investing in JB Kitchen. Think of it as being a part of something for the community!
There will be a host of different rewards to redeem when we are up and running.
After being in the industry for such a long time, I both understand that the full renovation and kitting out of the kitchen will cost a lot more than the target, but I believe that I can bring something much needed to Birstall.
It would be amazing if the Crowdfunder campaign could smash the target of 15k so we could keep the borrowing down to the bare minimum & by keeping more money within the local economy & delivering on our vision for the future
Can't wait to see you all!
Jordan