“The only source of knowledge is experience."
Albert Einstein
At Inclusive Grounds, we believe experience is the gateway to growth. Our café offers more than good food — it serves as a living classroom where individuals can transform training into opportunity.
As an extension of The Arc Tampa Bay’s Culinary Institute, Inclusive Grounds provides graduates with a vital next step — a real-world environment to refine skills in hospitality, customer service, and teamwork.
Inclusive Grounds is also part of a larger pathway The Arc Tampa Bay has built through youth vocational camps and supported employment services. By aligning training with real-world practice, we ensure individuals of all ages and abilities have the chance to explore careers, gain transferable skills, and move confidently into meaningful employment — building independence today and brighter futures tomorrow.
Meet Our TEAM
Chef Ernesto
Chef Ernesto Casabella is a distinguished culinary professional with over 34 years of experience in fine dining and hospitality management. A graduate of Miami Dade College with a degree in Culinary Management, Chef Ernesto has built his career on excellence, precision, and mentorship. Having served 26 years with Morton’s Steakhouse, advancing from Sous Chef to Corporate Trainer, he has trained and developed more than 50 chefs and managers across multiple locations. Renowned for his leadership, organizational skills, and commitment to quality, Chef Ernesto now brings his expertise to lead the Culinary Institute’s training program for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. His mission as the Executive Chef is to empower aspiring chefs through hands-on, inclusive instruction while ensuring the Inclusive Grounds Café delivers exceptional food, professional standards, and a welcoming environment for all.
DEREK
Derek is a part of our first graduating class of the culinary institute. He has helped to support the launch of Inclusive Grounds with his tireless advocacy in the community and at The Arc Tampa Bay Foundation events.
GET INVOLVED
Inclusive Grounds has come to life through the work of The Arc Tampa Bay Foundation and the support of its generous donors.
Want to be part of our story?
Learn more, donate, or join us at upcoming events by visiting thearctbf.org