FareStart

06/02/2026

Meet Tim, FareStart Barista & Customer Service Program Trainer, who works with young adults to develop their job skills. He's the inspiration behind FareStart Restaurant’s June drink special: Tim’s Brown Sugar Milk Tea.

Inspired by Yuenyeung, a drink Tim grew up with, this special blends cold brew, black tea, brown sugar and cream for a cup that’s bold and comforting.

Stop in this month and order Tim’s Brown Sugar Milk Tea with a fresh pastry.

06/01/2026

Tickets are now on sale for FareStart’s 34th Annual Gala on Sunday, October 18. ✨ Join us for an inspiring evening celebrating the achievements of FareStart students and the community that makes this work possible.

As FareStart’s largest fundraising event of the year, the Gala supports transformational job training programs that help students gain skills, secure meaningful employment and build more stable futures for themselves and their families.

Early-bird pricing is available through June 30: $345 individual tickets and $3,450 tables for 10. We hope you’ll join us in celebrating the power of opportunity, community and fresh starts.

Learn more and reserve your seats today: https://www.farestart.org/events/farestart-gala/

05/30/2026

Spend your Tuesday evening in Ballard for a good cause. On Tuesday, June 2, 5–9 p.m., Reuben's Brews is hosting a Gratituesday event benefiting FareStart. Stop by for great beer, good company and a chance to support job training and pathways to employment in our community.

We’re grateful to the Reuben’s team for choosing FareStart as this month’s community partner. We hope to see you there!

P.S. They also have non-alcoholic options on the menu, so more folks can join in.

05/29/2026

“There were opportunities out there that I could have taken, but FareStart was the bridge I needed between drug treatment and the working world. It built that confidence I needed to hold down a 9-to-5 while learning new skills.” — Benjamin, FareStart Graduate

About a year ago, Benjamin was living on the streets and struggling with addiction. Today, he’s building a new chapter grounded in recovery, community and meaningful work.

Benjamin came to FareStart looking for a bridge between treatment and the working world. Through the support of his instructors, case manager and fellow graduates, he found not only new skills and confidence, but a community that met him with care and encouragement every step of the way.

Now working in customer service at Goodwill Industries International, Benjamin continues to pursue his goals and hopes to one day cook in a shelter or supportive housing environment for people in recovery.

Congratulations to Benjamin on all he’s accomplished so far! Read more about his story here: https://www.farestart.org/news/farestart-news/benjamins-story-rising-from-recovery-to-job-readiness/

05/26/2026

Make your weekday routine easier with FareStart’s grab & go options.

Sandwiches, salads, breakfast burritos and breakfast sandwiches—simple options made fresh.

05/25/2026

In honor of Memorial Day, FareStart Restaurant, FareStart Café, our job training programs and offices are closed today.

We’re deeply grateful to our dedicated staff who continue working behind the scenes to ensure meals are still reaching our community—your commitment makes all the difference.

We look forward to welcoming you back tomorrow.

05/22/2026

A new opportunity can start with the right support system. If you or someone you know is looking for job training, career guidance and a welcoming community, FareStart’s free job training programs are here to help people take the next step forward.

Whether someone is interested in food service, barista training or another career pathway, our team helps each student figure out which program is the right fit for their goals. Participants can also receive a cash stipend during training.

At FareStart, no one has to navigate the journey alone. Learn more and get connected: farestart.org/job-training/

05/21/2026

Last week’s Guest Chef Night welcomed Chef Kevin Smith of Beast & Cleaver, The Little Beast and The Peasant into FareStart Restaurant for a night of thoughtful cooking, hands-on learning and great food. Our students and graduates worked alongside Kevin and his team, picking up new skills, asking questions and getting a close-up look at the care and craft behind every dish.

If you haven’t made it to Beast & Cleaver or The Little Beast in Ballard, it’s well worth the visit. Kevin’s approach to whole-animal butchery and cooking is distinctive. We’re grateful to Chef Kevin for his support of our students and mission.

Thank you as well to the volunteer servers from Amazon (Amazon.com) and to US Foods and Wells Fargo for helping make the evening possible. And thank you to everyone who joined us at the table.

Our summer Guest Chef Night lineup is now live through September, and tickets are selling fast. We’d love to welcome you into the FareStart kitchen for one of these special evenings: https://www.farestart.org/dining/guest-chef-night/

05/18/2026

Crispy and with just the right amount of kick. 🔥

FareStart Restaurant’s crispy chicken sandwich is stacked with fresh lettuce, crunchy pickles and mayo in a perfectly toasted bun. Add a splash of Nashville hot sauce for a spicy finish.

Place your order now: https://order.toasttab.com/online/farestart-restaurant-700-virginia-street

05/16/2026

ICYMI: FareStart’s Guest Chef Night series continues this summer with chefs from across Seattle’s restaurant community, including Ethan Stowell, Michela Tartaglia, José Garzón, John Sundstrom and more. Please join us and help spread the word!

We’re grateful to The Seattle Times for highlighting the series and the impact these dinners have in supporting FareStart’s job training programs and students.

Read more and get your tickets: https://www.seattletimes.com/life/food-drink/7-top-seattle-chefs-at-farestart-dinners-include-ethan-stowell-and-more/

FareStart's hot-ticket Guest Chef Nights are back, with big local names for upcoming dinners including Ethan Stowell, John Sundstrom and Michela Tartaglia.