For young returning veterans, The Wholly Waffle Restaurant is gearing up to provide jobs and support
A thank you is great. A job is better.
Recognizing the need to help military veterans who are returning to civilian life, Bob Lancia has a practical solution. Lancia, a veteran Navy and Marine chaplain, is creating a non-profit restaurant that will employ returning vets, with the goal of giving them a solid starting point for success in civilian life. Lancia is seeking a location in Cranston, RI.
The Wholly Waffle restaurant will capitalize on the “breakfast anytime” trend and is planning to hire veterans primarily in the 18 to 24 age group. Lancia said, “The need is greatest among young veterans, who often have little civilian job experience. These are men and women who have drive, who are often entrepreneurial by nature and who have discipline gained from military training. The Wholly Waffle is designed to provide that first break to help get their careers going.”
A crowdfunding campaign on the Indiegogo website, launched on November 11, Veterans Day, is seeking to raise start-up capital for lease, equipment, renovation and other expenses: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/the-wholly-waffle-waffles-for-warriors
The state’s Veterans Affairs office has offered a $75,000 grant from the Veterans Administration if the crowdfunding effort can reach or surpass its $50,000 goal. and has taken part in the Culinary Command Training program, an intensive and selective culinary arts program (www.culinarycommand.com) created specifically for veterans and active-duty service members.
Lancia said, “I’m excited to offer young returning service men and women the opportunity to people who could use some help in a very practical, hands-on way. By learning new skills and business principles, young vets will take a huge first step toward career success.”
About Bob Lancia Ministries
Bob Lancia served as a chaplain for both the Navy and Marines. He shattered his shoulder while preparing for a tour in Iraq with the Marines and became officially 100% disabled. After experiencing the challenges of returning to civilian life and learning of other vets’ challenges, he founded Bob Lancia Ministries. The inspiration to serve fellow service men and women again was the start of The Wholly Waffle restaurant project.
