The locally owned food service group now owns and operates the restaurant inside the Goodwill Opportunity Campus.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont is happy to announce that FDY, Inc. has taken ownership of Community Table Bistro, the restaurant inside of the Goodwill Opportunity Campus located at 5301 Wilkinson Boulevard in Charlotte. FDY, Inc. is planning its official grand opening for April 11, 2023.
FDY, Inc. is a minority-owned, nationally certified food service company that specializes in operating non-traditional locations such as airports and universities. FDY has a rich 40-year history in the Charlotte community, having managed the food service on university campuses to include Johnson C. Smith University, Livingstone College and Barber Scotia College. Today, FDY operates familiar brands such as Bojangles, Red Mango Smoothie Factory, Char-Grill, Salsarita’s, Bruegger’s Bagels and Burger King in three airports including the Charlotte-Douglas International Airport.
“We are delighted to be the exclusive food service provider for the Goodwill Opportunity Campus and to offer a much-needed destination for quality meals in this part of West Charlotte,” said Keith Haywood, President and Owner of FDY, Inc. “Our company has had to pivot many times in our 40-year history, but one thing that remains consistent is our commitment to serve as a reliable partner. Our goals are not only to provide outstanding food and superb customer service, but also to build a longstanding relationship with Goodwill that will grow into a pipeline for talent development and a resource for our associates.”
This is the third locally owned business Goodwill has introduced in its facilities. The nonprofit added locally owned cafés, Salty Bean and Big Red’s, inside their concept stores in Rockingham and Shelby in 2022.
“Throughout the request for proposal process, we were intentional about selecting a locally owned business in our community to operate this amazing space in this fantastic location,” said Jose Luis, Chief Operating Officer for Goodwill industries of the Southern Piedmont. “FDY, Inc. is a well-respected company in the Charlotte community that aligns with the mission and values of Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont. The Goodwill Opportunity Campus was created as a place where people could see possibilities, seize opportunities and prosper. Under FDY, Inc.’s ownership, we hope Community Table Bistro inspires possibilities and creates opportunities for our team members, participants and members of the community to come eat together in fellowship.”
Community Table Bistro, established in 2016, was created to not only address the food desert along the Wilkinson Boulevard corridor, but also to support the vision for the Goodwill Opportunity Campus. The state-of-the-art facility in west Charlotte provides the area’s most comprehensive collection of resources and opportunities for individuals seeking to advance their careers and improve their lives. The Goodwill Opportunity Campus benefits job seekers by offering a central location for coordinated services and helps Goodwill increase long-term support for participants on their pathway to prosperity. The campus also boasts several event, conference and meeting spaces available to the community to rent, with catering offerings provided by Community Table Bistro.
Goodwill and FDY, Inc. will host a formal grand opening ceremony for Community Table Bistro on Tuesday, April 11, 2023. More details, including media opportunities will be available in April.
View the Community Table Bistro menu here. Stay updated by following Community Table Bistro on Instagram @communitytablebistro.
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About Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont
Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont is a nonprofit organization that connects people to opportunities to find gainful employment and meaningful work. Through its current 31 retail stores and more than 35 donation sites, the Goodwill Opportunity Campus, and partnerships with employers and other organizations, Goodwill builds pathways for members of the community to uncover their passions, enhance their skill sets, and achieve more for themselves and their families—creating a brighter future for all. As a social enterprise, proceeds from the sale of donated goods fund job training and employment services offered free of charge to members of the community. In 2022, Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont provided support to more than 6,600 people. At the Goodwill Opportunity Campus, the organization partners with Skyla Credit Union, Charlotte Community Health Clinic and Dentistry, among others, to provide health and financial resources so individuals can truly be successful in work and life.
You can learn more about Goodwill programs and services and view testimonials from participants by visiting www.goodwillsp.org.
About FDY, Inc.
FDY, Inc. is a nationally certified, minority owned food service management company headquartered in Charlotte, NC. For 40 years, FDY, Inc. has operated multiple food and beverage concepts in locations including colleges and universities, airports, travel plazas, and corporations throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. FDY, Inc. currently operates over 20 brands, including its proprietary brands The Young Kitchen™ and The Queen’s Beignets. Visit https://fdyinc.com/ to learn more.
Media Contacts
LiZeatra Wilson | Public Relations & Communications Manager | Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont | Direct: (561) 676-7801| Email: lizeatra.wilson@goodwillsp.org
Najla Haywood | Vice President and Director of Communications | FDY, Inc. | Direct: (704) 709-1906| Email: nhaywood@fdyinc.com
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