Every day after school, hundreds of kids head to Downtown Boxing Gym (DBG) on Detroit’s east side to shoot some hoops, get help with their homework, or hit the boxing ring. 

And they’re also having fun in the organization’s new commercial kitchen making nutritious meals with a well-known Detroit chef. 

Molly Mitchell, the former owner of Detroit diner Rose’s Fine Food, became DBG’s associate director of culinary arts in January. The nonprofit offers free academic and athletic programs, as well as electives and mentorship to youth ages 8-18, with continuing mentorship and support through the age of 25.

Mitchell’s role includes preparing fresh meals and snacks for DBG students each night, totaling more than 1,000 meals per week. She’s also developing a culinary arts curriculum by teaching kids and teens basic cooking skills and healthy meals they can make at home. 

Mitchell told BridgeDetroit that after Rose’s shut its doors last year, she was interested in a career in culinary education. 

“It just really worked out for me to get in contact with DBG at the same time I was closing Rose’s because they were ready to flesh out their cooking program,” she said. “The timing really worked out for me to come here. I’m able to pursue my passion and also help them out with their commercial kitchen, so this is a really good match.” 

Mitchell and her students make a variety of foods, from tacos, breakfast food to beef braised stew. She lets the kids take the lead on what they want to learn in the program, Mitchell said.