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Situated in Santa Monica, California, Crimson Mediterranean Cookhouse and Society Kitchen restaurants provide dining experiences centered around vibrant cuisine and a warm atmosphere. But for a growing number of Salvation Army Santa Monica Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC) graduates, the eateries serve an additional purpose.
“This was the first step to the rest of my life,” said Samuel Valentine, Assistant Manager of Crimson Mediterranean Cookhouse.
Valentine graduated from the Santa Monica ARC in 2016, after having participated in the residential program for those who are experiencing a variety of social, emotional and spiritual challenges, including issues relating to substance abuse. He was the third graduate hired to work at the restaurant.
“The ARC gave me tools to succeed and maintain sobriety and this job helped me re-enter as a functioning member of society,” he said, noting he “started with nothing” when he joined the ARC, but now he can financially support his wife and two children.
“I’m just so grateful for the support,” he said.
Over the last eight years, the restaurants have served as a next step for about 15 men coming from the program.
“I wanted to do something new and better with my life,” Valentine said. “Ever since then, I’ve decided I’d love to see other guys from the program come and do the same.”
He’s one of five ARC graduates currently employed between the two Crimson Mediterranean Cookhouse establishments. He said the job has changed his life for the better.
After completing the six-month program, many participants, like Valentine, seek employment and opportunities to reintegrate into society. Valentine said he has been able to use his position to give others a second chance.
“It can be nerve-racking to switch up your whole way of living,” Valentine said. “When we hire guys from the program, we can help support them and they can continue to be around their brothers.”
Valentine works closely with owner Nicole Ghafourian and communicates with staff at the Santa Monica ARC when job openings arise. He said the communication goes both ways, as Salvation Army staff reach out to them when recent graduates are ready for work.
Timothy Rodriguez, Santa Monica Resident Manager and ARC graduate, has helped facilitate some employment opportunities at the restaurant.
“I’ve been able to help guys get their foot in the door because not everyone can get a full-time job right out of [the ARC],” Rodriguez said. “Helping men get hired at these restaurants can offer a great start.”
Rodriguez attributes many of these employment opportunities to the open and accepting ownership.
“It’s really important for me to open doors and offer people a chance. Everyone deserves a chance.”
Nicole Ghafourian, Owner of Society Kitchen and Crimson Mediterranean Cookhouse
Ghafourian opened Society Kitchen with her sister and brother-in-law in 2013. Drawing from experience at the two Crimson Mediterranean Cookhouse locations, Ghafourian seized the chance to make it a career and has operated as an owner of Society Kitchen ever since.
“We opened the restaurants in 2013, and by the end of 2014, we had begun hiring graduates from The Salvation Army rehabilitation program,” Ghafourian said.
Witnessing the first ARC graduate working in her restaurant inspired Ghafourian to replicate the opportunity for others.
“I saw it open someone’s door. I believed in him, and he just thrived,” Ghafourian said.
Ghafourian said hiring men from the program has proven to be a favorable choice because of their established work ethic and desire to flourish in a new routine. Additionally, Ghafourian values the camaraderie and sense of community the graduates bring to the team.
“They just bring a warm, family feeling,” she said.
Ghafourian highlighted that customers, particularly regulars, observe this characteristic, identifying staff members like Valentine on a first-name basis.
“Sammy and other staff members have truly become the face of the restaurants,” she said, adding that that is a crucial element of a restaurant that keeps guests coming back.
“They want the hours—they just need a chance,” Ghafourian said. “I’m honored to be able to give them that chance because it’s really just beneficial to us both.”
Kris Carey, Assistant Manager at Society Kitchen, graduated from the ARC in February 2023 and began working in the restaurant shortly after. He’s one of the two graduates working at Society Kitchen.
According to Carey, the structure of working again, combined with Ghafourian’s support, has directly benefited his recovery.
“She’s not just a boss,” Carey said. “She’s a friend that really cares about us and our journeys. That’s something that goes a long way when you’re coming from the ARC.”
Carey said that Ghafourian consistently checks in on them and readily grants days off for them to focus on recovery.
“She’s not just looking for employees,” Carey said. “She gives us a shot. Some employers might see some of our records and not think twice—but Nicole sees past that and acknowledges our improvements.”
Ghafourian emphasized the importance of using her position to provide others with the opportunity to succeed while supporting them along the way.
“If I can help someone by giving them an opportunity to work, then why not?” she said.
Looking ahead, she said she will remain committed to hiring program graduates and won’t turn anyone away due to their past.
“I was given this opportunity by my sister and brother-in-law,” Ghafourian said. “It’s really important for me to open doors and offer people a chance. Everyone deserves a chance.”
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