Passion Fruit Prime — Richmond, VA
Community Impact
A Restaurant That Builds More Than Meals.
Passion Fruit Prime is not just a dining destination — it is a community investment. Through education, entrepreneurship, scholarships, and workforce development, we are building the next generation of leaders from the inside out.
Our Commitment
"We believe that a restaurant's greatest responsibility is not to its investors — it is to its community. Every meal we serve, every person we hire, every program we run is an investment in the people who make this city what it is."
— Dr. Beatrice Salandy, Founder
Our Programs
Six Ways We Invest
From culinary education to business development to scholarship funding — our community programs are as intentional as our menu.
Craft Keepers Inc
The Craft Keepers Inc is the educational arm of Passion Fruit Prime — a culinary and hospitality training program that prepares the next generation of Caribbean culinary professionals. Developed by Dr. Beatrice Salandy, the Institute offers apprenticeships, certification programs, and career pathways for students who have been overlooked by traditional culinary education.
Black Biz Coalition
The Black Biz Coalition is our business development arm — supporting Black entrepreneurs with mentorship, resources, and community. Passion Fruit Prime serves as a model business and a platform for the Coalition's work, hosting business summits, incubator cohorts, and networking events that connect entrepreneurs with the resources they need to grow.
NY Belles Foundation
The NY Belles Foundation is our community impact arm — providing scholarships, family support, and community programming for underserved families. Passion Fruit Prime donates a portion of every event's proceeds to the Foundation, and Dr. Salandy serves on the Foundation's board as a founding member.
Prestigious University Culinary Program
Dr. Beatrice Salandy developed a Culinary Management Program at a prestigious university — combining culinary arts with business management and preparing graduates for leadership roles in restaurants, hotels, and food service. Passion Fruit Prime serves as a practicum site for students in the program.
School Vendor Program — 33+ Schools
Passion Fruit Prime's school vendor model — active in New York since 2018 — provides culinary education programming directly to schools through Craft Keepers Inc. Partnered with over 33 schools across the NY area, bringing Caribbean culinary culture and professional skills training to students. Now expanding to the Richmond, VA area in 2025–2026.
Workforce Development
Passion Fruit Prime is a living workforce development program — employing locally, training on-site, and creating career pathways for Richmond residents who want to build careers in hospitality. We partner with local workforce agencies, community colleges, and reentry programs to ensure that our hiring reflects our community.
Student Success Stories
The People Behind the Numbers
Every statistic represents a person. Here are four of the thousands of stories that make this work matter.
"I came to Craft Keepers with no formal culinary training and a lot of passion. Dr. Salandy saw something in me that I hadn't seen in myself yet. Two years later, I'm the sous chef at Passion Fruit Prime and I'm enrolled in a university culinary management program. This restaurant changed my life."
Marcus T.
Sous Chef, Passion Fruit Prime
Craft Keepers Apprenticeship
"The 90-day incubator gave me the business plan, the mentorship, and the confidence to launch my catering company. I've been catering corporate events for two years now, and I just hired my first employee. The Coalition didn't just help me start a business — they helped me build a future."
Keisha A.
Founder, Caribbean Catering Co.
Black Biz Coalition Incubator
"The scholarship from NY Belles covered my first year of culinary school. I wouldn't have been able to go without it. I graduated with honors and I'm now working at a fine dining restaurant in Richmond. Dr. Salandy spoke at my graduation. I'll never forget that day."
Destiny W.
Culinary Graduate & Line Cook
NY Belles Foundation Scholarship
"The practicum at Passion Fruit Prime was the most valuable part of my Howard education. Working alongside Dr. Salandy and her team — seeing how a world-class restaurant operates, how culture is built into every decision — that's an education you can't get in a classroom alone."
James O.
Restaurant Manager, Fine Dining
University Culinary Management Program
Community Metrics
Measuring What Matters
Economic Impact
Estimated annual economic impact through employment, local sourcing, and community investment
Local Hiring Rate
Of Passion Fruit Prime staff are Richmond residents — hired from the communities we serve
Revenue to Community
Of event proceeds directed to community programs, scholarships, and nonprofit partners
Community Partners
Active partnerships with schools, nonprofits, workforce agencies, and community organizations
Join the Movement
Whether you want to donate, volunteer, partner, or simply dine with purpose — there is a place for you in the Passion Fruit Prime community.