“THE SECRET OF CHANGE IS TO FOCUS ALL OF YOUR ENERGY, NOT ON FIGHTING THE OLD, BUT ON BUILDING THE NEW.”

(Above quote, courtesy of Dan Millman)

A few years ago, I was invited to be part of a think tank. The group was formed for the purpose of creating ideas for the site that once stood for the Spofford Juvenile Detention Center. This center was the place where parents would threaten their children by saying, “If you don’t straighten up, I’m going to take you to Spofford!” I was very afraid of Spofford. Most of us were. Later on in life, I found out that Mike Tyson was an inmate at Spofford. My team’s ideas were instrumental in securing the bid for the development company that eventually built what you will see below. I was very proud of the win.

Before COVID, we were offered a space. That offer was rescinded during COVID. One day, I received a call from the same person (Paul Lipson) asking if we were still interested in the space because it had become available. I jumped at the opportunity. During the think-tank, my ideas were to have a space for small businesses, education and family growth opportunities, and housing that’s affordable. The Peninsula (The new name for Spofford) has it all.

I am currently in the process of the first stages of the buildout of Soul Snacks in the Peninsula. Yes…dreams do come true. One of my dreams was to work with people from my Bronx community. The designer and team leader of my space is a young man whom I mentored from Bronx River Houses, where I grew up. My space will have twin kitchens, one for gluten-free/vegan cookies and the other for our traditional line, a retail space, and a culinary arts program.

Michael Jones. I am so proud of this young man. He is living proof that if you give a child a path and help them to stay on that path, that path could take many positive directions. Michael is not only an architect, but he is the architect for my new space. He is also a 5-time championship Drum Corps drummer, a teacher, and a playwright.

My partner in the culinary program is a very dynamic individual.

Bill Yosses. Bill is an award-winning pastry chef who worked in the White House as the Pastry Chef for the Obama family and the Bush family for both of their terms as President. He is also the founder of One World One Kitchen. I was honored that Bill asked me to be part of his amazing organization. Soul Snacks donated $25,000.00 to One World One Kitchen. I am proud to say that those funds went directly to the cacao farmers in Africa.

We plan to open in early-2024.

PROFESSIONAL CULINARY, BAKING, AND PASTRY PROGRAM