Boston, MA - Local caterer plans to launch restaurant with a mission in Dorchester

Private chef and caterer Anthony Caldwell — whose resume includes stints at Legal Sea Foods and the Sheraton Hotel — has a mission: to give back to the community where he grew up.

To this end, he has announced the launch of 50Kitchen, a standalone restaurant in the Fields Corner section of Dorchester. While promising Southern and Asian inspired fusion food that is “simple, flavorful, but with a twist,” Caldwell also plans to support youth in his community by fostering a mentor program in partnership with the Helen Y. Davis Leadership Academy, as well as providing fresh meals to local shelters.

With initial funding provided by the 2018 LEAF Field’s Corner Collaborative’s business development competition, Caldwell explains the impetus behind 50Kitchen’s—whose motto is “Beautiful Food for Beautiful People”—vision.

“I was born and raised in Dorchester, while my life has been met with a lot challenges... I was given a second chance at the age of 43 and because of that I have vowed to share my gift with the world and give back to the community.”

Named after his own personal goal of establishing a restaurant before he was fifty, Caldwell hopes that 50Kitchen will not only reflect the cultural diversity and community strength of Field’s Corner, but bridge generation gaps for area youths.

“Growing up in Dorchester was a challenge... Being able to open up a restaurant and coming from a ‘You won’t make it’ type of environment, I’m truly blessed to be able to be a blessing to others. I understand that young man that can’t get a job, I understand that young lady who doesn’t have a father in her life. … What I’m going to do with my business and my skill-set, I’m going to teach, mentor, and pour back into the community so that those people in the community will know that there is somebody who’s willing to give back.”

While Caldwell currently works as a private caterer and chef, he has established a crowdfunding campaign to garner further support for 50Kitchen, and has already planned several successful fundraising events at local eateries. The next one is scheduled for Saturday, July 14th at home.stead bakery & cafe in Dorchester.

*The 50K for 50Kitchen Popup Fundraiser is scheduled for Saturday, July 15th from 7 p..-10 p.m. at home.stead bakery & cafe, located at 1448 Dorchester Ave in Dorchester. Tickets are available from www.eventbrite.com/e/50k-for-50kitchen-popup-restaurant-fundraiser-tickets-47299825050 For more information about home.stead, visit dorchesterhomestead.com/

For more information about Anthony Caldwell, 50Kitchen or to help donate, please visit www.50kitchen.com/" or his Indiegogo page at www.indiegogo.com/projects/the-road-to-50kitchen-restaurant-food#/