Beckley, W.Va. (September 5, 2023) – The basement of the Fruits of Labor building at 313 Neville Street in Beckley is now featuring a new wood-stone Pizzeria, Ice Cream and Coffee Shop. Tammy Jordan, owner of Fruits of Labor, invites the public to join her in cutting the ribbon at the grand opening at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 7.
Jordan said seven new jobs have been created at the pizzeria restaurant, which offers seating for 64 indoors, 20 on the outdoor patio, and “to go” service. “Two of our students, who have been with us almost a year and just graduated from our station supervisor program, are managing the new Pizzeria, Ice Cream and Coffee Shop,” she said. “We deeply believe in investing in each student and allowing them to grow and expand their skills. We are excited to welcome three new students to join our education, certification, training, and employment program.”
Jordan said the Fruits of Labor Café on the ground floor and the Pizzeria, Ice Cream and Coffee Shop are two independent and different dining locations. “For instance, to order pizza, customers will need to visit the Pizzeria because pizza isn’t on the menu at the café,” she said.
“Our soft opening of the basement dining option has been well received by our customers,” said Jordan. “Customers are able to enjoy artisan style pizza and a wide range of specialty coffees and smoothies. We are grateful to have a safe environment and gathering space for college students to have coffee or a bite of lunch between classes,” she said. “Plus, our goal has always been to fully utilize the basement and three floors of our downtown Beckley building. The café, pizzeria, ice cream and coffee shop, conference and meeting facilities, and Seed Sower’s The Well offices are making full and positive use of the space.”
Jordan has three other training cafes and bakeries – in Rainelle, Alderson and Montgomery – that offer stable, well-paying jobs for people in recovery and nationally certified culinary programming. The Fruits of Labor model was the catalyst for the regional southern West Virginia Communities of Healing recovery to work program that continues to assist employees and employers.
Judy Moore, executive director of the West Virginia Hive and deputy director of the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority (NRGRDA), commended Jordan and Fruits of Labor on their steady growth and job creation. “Tammy’s compassion for others and business acumen have combined to help so many in recovery and to educate employers about this valuable workforce,” said Moore. “Fruits of Labor has been the catalyst, and the Communities of Healing program has exceeded all expectations and made me proud of southern West Virginia for embracing this creative economic model.”
The Communities of Healing program, which was funded in 2020 by the Appalachian Regional Commission, includes a partnership group consisting of Seed Sower, Fruits of Labor, Region 4 Planning and Development Council, Wright Venture Services, Region 1 Workforce Development Board, and the WV Hive.
The West Virginia Hive Network proudly announces the addition of two new regional business advisors – Devon Fitzgerald and Matt Nichols. Both advisors have been actively serving small business clients and startups since joining the team in September, bringing a wealth of experience and dedication to their roles.
Bill Woodrum, Senior Program Officer at the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation, delivered keynote remarks and 12 awardees were recognized at the West Virginia Hive’s annual Open House and Awards Ceremony on Friday, December 13, 2024.
Jina Belcher, Executive Director of the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority (NRGRDA), named Bowles Rice, LLP and Huntington National Bank, as recipients of its 2024 Partner of the Year award.
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