Jammy Buggars Reaches Out To Lakewood Refugee Students!

In partnership with Asian Services in Action (ASIA), a non-profit advocacy organization, neighborhood restaurant Jammy Buggars opened its doors to teach Lakewood refugee students restaurant etiquette while enjoying a fantastic meal.

In early Spring 2012, Jim Sprenger, owner of Jammy Buggars, was contacted to take part in the Career Passport Project to help Lakewood refugee students learn cultural literacy skills, job skills, and academic skills. 

“I was eager to assist the project,” Sprenger said. “This was a great opportunity for the kids to learn restaurant etiquette without the pressure of a public forum.”  

To help the students learn restaurant etiquette, Sprenger prepared a menu that was unique to Jammy Buggars and also sensitive to the students’ diverse cultural backgrounds. “I wanted to give them a taste of traditional American food, something they may not be served all the time,” Springer said.  

Students enjoyed a sampling of appetizers such as French fries and chicken fingers, and had choices that included the Jammy Buggars version of the traditional cheeseburger and grilled cheese.  

Kitty Leung, the manager of children, youth, and family services for ASIA, was ecstatic that Jammy Buggars joined the Career Passport Project. “I am so grateful that Jim would open his restaurant to our children to help them learn these skills,” Leung said. “We are so grateful for his generosity.”

Students in the Career Passport Project used this summer to learn about other academic and employment opportunities in the Lakewood and greater Cleveland communities by visiting the police and fire departments in Lakewood and at Cleveland State University. Stringer hopes that next summer the Career Passport Project will improve upon the great work that has already taken place.  

“I hope that we can share our excitement and hard work with other community members and find more businesses and community agencies willing to open their doors to the wonderful and culturally diverse students in Lakewood.”