Rick Doody makes it his mission to invite everyone to the table.
"I get jazzed by watching the underdog be successful," said Doody. "I'm a believer that anybody can do whatever they want. You're not playing with a full deck to start with; you're starting from behind. The reality is: what can we do to help them?"
Doody invited a dozen teens from Cleveland’s Boys and Girls Club to Lindey’s Lake House, his new Beachwood Restaurant. The teens are participating in the club’s Career Readiness program. Doody offered to mentor them through entrepreneurship.
"There’s a real need for kids to get an understanding,” said Doody.
He encouraged the teens to seek advice from people working in careers that they would like to pursue. Doody also served them a meal, along with encouragement.
“You must engage people's soul,” said Doody.
Participants walked away filled with inspiration.
"I learned that you can do anything if you put your mind to it,” said student Serrina Alexander. "It was very delightful. If you want to do something, have a mentor to help you."
"I have never been to a restaurant this fancy,” said student Derrick Holmes. "I want to own a record label. My goals that I'm going for, I know they're reachable."
Doody said his restaurant opens Nov. 14.
