Inspiration Kitchens, Uptown's Unique Social Enterprise Restaurant, Closing At Month's End

The owners of Inspiration Kitchens in Uptown have announced that they're closing on July 31. The restaurant is backed by Inspiration Corp., a charity that provides social services to the poor. They put blame on lawmakers in Springfield for fumbling through the budget process which has cost the not-for-profit venture funding.

Uptown Update has the details of the closure. Over the last decade, contemporary American breakfasts, lunches and brunches were prepared and served by students from Inspiration Kitchens' foodservice training program. Those enrolled may be homeless, poor or former prison inmates. They'll continue the program to help the needy even after the restaurant's closure.

The budget problems in Springfield are just part of the funding problems, as Inspiration said they've lost more than $350,000 in federal funding since 2014. Inspiration Kitchens' Garfield Park location will continue, while officials said they're looking at launching a different concept in Uptown in 2017.

For those interested in continuing Inspiration Corp.'s mission, there's a link to donate here.