The new Refoodgees restaurant, located in the heart of Saint-Gilles in Brussels, has been open since July and was presented to the press on Tuesday.
The non-profit organisation behind the project aims to facilitate the socio-professional integration of refugees by training them or enhancing their skills in the hospitality sector.
Located at 153 Rue Émile Féron in the Cité des Associations, Refoodgees offers two remunerated training programmes (in cooking and serving), paid at the hospitality sector rate, to refugees and newcomers to Belgium.
"The only requirements are possessing a registration certificate (or 'orange card'), having a basic understanding of English or French, and a passion for cooking," explained the project's founder and executive director, Arthur Fogel.
Refoodgees addresses two major challenges: the shortage of qualified personnel in hospitality and the difficulty refugees face in finding sustainable employment. The restaurant trains its interns and supports them in securing a job upon completing their one-year training.
Another key objective of the association is promoting cultural exchange by showcasing each trainee's culinary heritage, allowing Brussels residents to discover new culinary horizons.
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The restaurant, open Monday to Friday from 10:30 to 17:00, caters to 60 diners, managed by a team of four interns (Barry, Maté, Mana, and Priscilia) and the supervisory staff. A second team is expected to join by late spring, allowing the restaurant to open in the evenings as well.
The restaurant's menu changes weekly and features local and seasonal products. It offers two unique menus, including a vegetarian option, plus takeaway items such as sandwiches and bowls.
The non-profit organisation aims to expand the project to offer services to other clients, including private companies, especially through catering activities.
