A nonprofit dedicated to empowering communities through food
Our mission is to provide culinary training and education for young people,
and increase access to affordable, high-quality meals
ABOUT US
LocoL’s story starts in 2015. Originally founded by chefs Roy Choi and Daniel Patterson, LocoL was a new kind of fast food restaurant with the idea that everyone deserves great food and an opportunity to fulfill their potential.
Keith Corbin joined LocoL in 2015, before it opened. Born and raised in Watts, Keith spent much of his adult life in prison, and was released at the age of 35. Motivated to build a new future for his family, Keith honed his knowledge and skills at LocoL, quickly rising to a manager position. After LocoL closed in 2018, Keith opened Alta Adams with Daniel, which has been an annual mainstay on the L.A. Times 101 Best Restaurants list.
In 2023 Keith and Daniel re-opened LocoL in its original Watts location, with a renewed focus on culinary training for youth. Our goal is to provide the next generation with the same opportunities offered to Keith, which allowed him to become a successful chef, business owner, and community leader.
Culinary training program
Hands-on culinary job training from experienced chefs.
In a real-world restaurant environment, youth learn the fundamental skills for working in a professional kitchen. This increases their chances of securing job placement in a competitive market.
Culinary education program
We partner with local schools and nonprofits to bring culinary education into classrooms, afterschool programs, and community settings.
Our goal is to not only give young people the tools to build their own food security, but to develop a pipeline of underserved youth going into our training program.
Community Meals Program
Culinary students work alongside our Chef to prepare affordable, high-quality meals each week for nonprofits serving youth, families, seniors and people experiencing homelessness throughout L.A.
BOARD AND LEADERSHIP
Bill Resnick, President
Psychiatrist/Philanthropist
Founder, Big Bear Retreat Center
Shani C. McKinney, Treasurer
Senior Strategy Officer,
Hilton Foundation
Keith Corbin, Secretary
Executive Chef and Owner,
Alta Adams
Renee Bailey, Director
Operations Manager,
Alta Adams
Daniel Patterson, Director
Chef and Owner,
Jacaranda
Asher Landau
Executive Director,
Locol
PARTNER WITH US
SPONSOR A STUDENT
Your donation guarantees a spot in our culinary training program for a young person in Watts, allowing us to pay students directly for their time.
Help us provide opportunities for youth who are justice system-impacted, experiencing homelessness, or former foster youth.
For donations over $1,000, please contact us directly at info@altacommunityla.org
HIRE US TO CATER YOUR EVENT
Need catering for an upcoming event or meeting?
Or regular meals for your nonprofit program?
We offer affordable, high-quality catering that also supports the next generation of culinary talent.
Please email info@altacommunityla.org with your event details, and we will get back to you with current menu options.