Sheffield-based social enterprise, restaurant and events space Blend Kitchen are launching a Crowdfunder campaign to raise funds following a devastating break-in just 4 days after reopening for outdoor dining in April.
Blend Kitchen provide opportunities to adults who face barriers when looking for employment, whether they have learning difficulties or have suffered from social injustice, offering them training and advice to receive employment in-house or across their wide hospitality network spreading beyond Sheffield.
This year they relocated to Sheffield’s “foodie-mile” Ecclesall Road having had to move out from their previous home due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Just 4 days following their much-anticipated opening for outdoor dining, they were broken into during the early hours of the morning, causing damage to the restaurant from smashed windows in the main entrance and stolen items such as valuable training assets. 
The Crowdfunder hopes to raise £15,000 which will not only repair the damage caused but provide new security shutters, CCTV, improved lighting and a new secure front lobby.
People who kindly donate to the Crowdfunder can also expect to receive exciting rewards, which are a surprise for now but will include tickets to Blend Kitchen events, treats and merchandise.
Despite the level of damage caused, there is no ill-will towards those that caused it, as General Manager Justin Rowntree explains:
“Blend Kitchen’s mission is to help those that have faced barriers in life, and Blend Kitchen founder Chris Hanson and I are well aware that those who broke into the restaurant are people that could probably benefit from the work we do here.”
The important work that Blend Kitchen undertakes does not go unnoticed evidenced by their incredible network of supporters, including musician legend Richard Hawley and has recently received support from Michelin-starred chef Tom Aikens.
The Crowdfunder goes live at 12 pm on Friday 28th May and you can find the fundraising page at https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/blend-kitchen-sheffield-1
