The Clink Charity is an organization that runs various Clink Restaurant locations and, on the whole, they hope to open 10 more by the year 2017. Some sample items from the menu include oat-crumbed herring, tea-smoked duck breast and pea and mint risotto.
"The aim of The Clink Charity is to reduce re-offending rates of ex-offenders by training and placing graduates upon their release into the hospitality industry," they write about their mission. "The charity represents a genuine opportunity for change, offering prisoners the chance to gain food preparation, food service and cleaning qualifications as well as experience within an exciting, operational business and in-depth guidance to find full-time employment within the hospitality industry upon release."
The Clink Restaurant has gotten a great deal of press and awards since it's been open so it's no doubt that Clink -- and the idea behind clink -- will continue to grow. But we hope it doesn't grow along with the rate of imprisonment.
Contact Information
The Clink Restaurant website
The Clink Charity on Twitter
Prisoner-Run Hospitality Services
The Clink Restaurant Offers Employment to Ex-Offenders
Trend Themes
1. Prisoner Rehabilitation Programs - Expanding strategic collaborations with prisons and other organizations could unlock new paths to reduce re-offending rates through training programs.
2. Prison-based Entrepreneurship - Many ex-offenders have a unique opportunity to bring fresh business ideas to the market. Startups seeking business partners willing to mitigate risk may need to look no further than ex-offenders for a talented workforce.
3. Socially Conscious Dining - There may be room for social enterprises in the restaurant industry that seek to make a positive impact on society while providing a quality meal.
Industry Implications
1. Hospitality - Other restaurants, hotels and hospitality organizations may want to explore similar initiatives that not only reduce recidivism and help with job creation, but also provide opportunities to train and hire a more diverse workforce.
2. Prison Services - Innovators in prison services might look to monetize the inherent economic activity that arises from these programs beyond reducing recidivism rates, such as prepping inmates for job creation, leading to gains in post-release productivity and improving community growth.
3. Social Services - Ex-offenders face significant challenges in finding employment and re-establishing themselves within their communities, including biases from prospective employers or landlords. Organizations that provide services to people who were previously incarcerated could benefit from partnering with these programs, indicating social commitment while supporting broader community integration.