The elegant interior of the Culinary Hub at Providence Public Library, designed to inspire culinary students.
The Culinary Hub of Providence (CHOP) has officially opened within the historic confines of the Providence Public Library. This restaurant serves as both a dining venue and a culinary training school for students from the Genesis Center, focusing on community empowerment through culinary education. Designed with a wabi-sabi aesthetic, CHOP reflects the library’s rich history and is committed to showcasing diverse culinary offerings inspired by its students. The establishment also aims to engage the community while maintaining the historic integrity of the building.
The Culinary Hub of Providence (CHOP) officially opened its doors on October 9, 2022, situated within the ornate confines of the Providence Public Library. This unique restaurant serves a dual purpose as both a dining establishment and a culinary training school for students affiliated with the Genesis Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting immigrants, refugees, and low-income residents in achieving economic independence.
Kyla Coburn of Kyla Coburn Designs, in collaboration with KITE Architects, led the design of CHOP, which highlights a wabi-sabi aesthetic that embraces imperfections while honoring the building’s rich history. The design showcases concrete floors, brick walls, and exposed beams, incorporating repurposed books and casting molds that reflect Providence’s industrial heritage.
With a muted color palette intended to instill pride in culinary students, the space aims to emphasize the staff over the cuisine itself. CHOP includes three distinct bar areas: a main bar for culinary demonstrations, a coffee and bakery bar, and a cocktail bar, facilitating adaptability for various events.
Construction of CHOP was not without its challenges due to the historic designation of the Providence Public Library. Specific requirements mandate that the building cannot accommodate open flames; thus, all kitchen appliances were designed to operate electrically. Additionally, a complex five-ton ventilation system was installed to manage the heat generated by the kitchen operations and address air exchange requirements agreed upon with the state historic preservation office.
The restaurant’s menu is a rich tapestry, inspired by the diverse cultural backgrounds of the Genesis Center’s student population. This integration of various culinary influences not only creates a unique dining experience but also showcases the skills being developed by aspiring chefs. Following extensive renovations that began in 2018, the library found an additional 3,000 square feet of space available, allowing for the development of the restaurant.
The concept for CHOP was conceived by the Genesis Center’s CEO during a tour of the library. After recognizing the potential of the vacant space, a proposal for collaboration was initiated. The library administration worked closely with relevant preservation authorities to address the specific needs of a working restaurant within a historic setting.
CHOP implements a mandatory 18% gratuity fee, which directly benefits the Genesis Center’s educational efforts, further solidifying its commitment to community empowerment through culinary education. As part of the design, Coburn’s team creatively utilized discarded books from the library to craft artistic sculptures and decorations, thereby tying the restaurant’s atmosphere to the library’s literary legacy.
Since its initial construction in 1900, the Providence Public Library has undergone significant transformations, including an addition built in the 1950s and major updates completed in 2020. The introduction of CHOP represents a modern chapter in the library’s long history, aiming to fuse culinary arts with community development and cultural diversity.
Overall, the Culinary Hub of Providence stands as a testament to innovation, collaboration, and the deep roots of community engagement, all while celebrating the historical and cultural richness of its surroundings.
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