The Flying Biscuit

“Children love ‘The Biscuit’ and ‘The Biscuit’ loves children,” explains Delia Champion Owner and Chef of The Flying Biscuit, on why she chose to work with The Bridge’s Cooking Class. Chefs and managers from the landmark Atlanta eatery arrive at The Bridge monthly arms filled with fresh ingredients ready to create something delicious with residents in the Cooking Class. Last August Delia and her staff committed to support the Cooking Class once a month without fail for at least one year and they have kept their promise. Residents have made restaurant staples such as omelets and scrambles as well as seasonal and special occasion items like fondue for Valentine’s Day and caramel apples for Halloween.

The Cooking Class is led by long-time volunteer Lynda Miller, who emphasizes building not only interest in cooking and eating well, but also practical life skills like planning, budgeting and good clean-up habits. Students in the Threshold program can choose the elective class each semester as a part of their school curriculum. Lynda has found the partnership with The Flying Biscuit to be extremely beneficial. She says, “After many years of involvement with The Bridge and in most recent years the Cooking Class it has been a sheer pleasure to have the team from The Flying Biscuit join us in volunteering with the Cooking Class. They have shared not only knowledge and supplies but so much of themselves with the residents. And I don't know if we have said it enough but thank you Delia, Brian, Spencer, Tiffany, William and Jeremy!”

Delia admits that her personal philosophy on volunteerism and engaging community partners is not particularly strategic. She says she’ll do, “anything that revolves around children – it’s not a strategic move. If it’s within your radius and you can help, it doesn’t seem reasonable not to help people in your community.”

It’s important to Delia that she and her staff members choose volunteer opportunities where they can succeed. She feels that her skills and time are best used in an area of expertise such as cooking or coaching young people on interview skills and career development. “I wouldn’t take on higher level algebra!” Certainly her skills have been put to good use at The Bridge. Delia and The Flying Biscuit staff give each class participant their own apron with their name on it and respect in the kitchen. They listen to the kids input and adapt their lessons not only to keep them interested but also to offer them the best opportunity to learn something while also having fun.

Delia also recognizes the incredible benefit of volunteer service for her staff. As a business owner and manager she feels, “a higher moral responsibility” to create a positive work environment for her staff that includes “life lessons that allow them to look back (at a volunteer project) and realize how much you love it.”

Tiffany Bradshaw, who volunteers with The Flying Biscuit, finds herself getting excited every month before the class. “It is something different every time. We go in with a detailed plan, but the kids get so excited about cooking, by the end ingredients, like frosting, are everywhere! But we’ve had such a great time.”

Continuing their diligent work to support the kids The Flying Biscuit Candler Park, Norcross and Sandy Springs restaurants will be supporting The Bridge’s new event, Run Walk Bark on Sunday, June 28th. In addition to media support the restaurant will also supply hungry runners and families with their famous biscuits, some with stuffed with egg, cheese or sausage.

Delia can now expand her declaration to include that The Bridge also loves The Biscuit.