Belong Kitchen, located in the heart of Memorial, is a neighborhood non-profit restaurant that provides paid employment for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in a supportive work environment. In addition to its regular menu of items such as cinnamon rolls and breakfast tacos, Belong offers freshly prepared take-home family meals, catering options, and weekday lunch service.
Since opening its first free-standing location in September 2021, Belong has launched a Guest Chef series that brings some of Houston’s most notable culinary figures into the kitchen to work alongside employees. The program began with Chef Kate McLean, Executive Chef and Partner at Tony’s. Since then, chefs including José Arévalo of Brennan’s, Aaron Bludorn of Bludorn, Johnny Carrabba of Carrabba’s, Marcia Smart of Smart in the Kitchen, Shipley Donuts, and Raffi Nasr of Craft Pita have participated. Each chef creates a special recipe for Belong, trains the team to prepare it, and collaborates directly with staff during the process.
Most recently, Chef Bryan Caswell and business partner Allison Knight joined the series, sharing their expertise and working alongside Belong employees. The opportunity allows team members to learn new techniques and experience preparing unique dishes for the community.
“Belong was built to create dignified work for adults with intellectual and developmental differences,” says Kim Brown, founder and Executive Director of Belong Kitchen. “I cannot think of anything more dignified than having some of Houston’s most prominent and talented chefs take time out of their busy schedules to create recipes for our non-profit kitchen and work alongside our staff to train us on how to prepare these meals. We are blessed to be part of the Houston community and proud and honored to have such incredible chefs prove that this is a place where we all belong.” belongkitchenhtx.org