DV8 Kitchen

A restaurant in Lexington, Kentucky that specifically hires people in recovery and trains other businesses on how to hire and retain second chance employees

DV8 Kitchen is recognized as a highly successful restaurant and bakery in Lexington, Kentucky. However, it has been embraced by the community for more than just its food quality; DV8 Kitchen hires people in recovery from opioid use disorder and other substance use disorders. The owner of the restaurant, being in recovery himself, knows the importance of employment in early recovery and the struggle that people face in the early stages of recovery to find employers willing to take a chance on them. DV8 Kitchen identifies as a social enterprise business that gives second chance employment in an environment that builds social support and teaches life skills. 

In addition to having a workforce of people in recovery, DV8 Kitchen has started the Soulfull Enterprise Training Workshop for businesses interested in integrating social enterprise into their mission. This workshop teaches businesses how to make a social impact by hiring, motivating, and retaining second chance employees in a cost-effective way, all while having a higher purpose for the organization.  

The restaurant has been recognized nationally in many different media outlets

A social enterprise business that gives second chance employment in an environment that builds social support and teaches life-changing skills.

Continuum of Care
Recovery
Type of Evidence
Implemented
Response Approach
Housing, Education, and Employment

Evidence of Program Effectiveness

This program has not been formally evaluated although this restaurant and bakery has achieved national acclaim with a workforce that are all in recovery.