Meet Kip Poole, founder of Yorkie's, a “modern deli” that’s flipping the script on what a restaurant can be. Kip is a culinary educator, nonprofit founder, and reality TV alum whose journey through burnout, culinary transformation, and radical community building has led to something much more than just sandwiches.

In this episode, Kip shares the origin of Yorkie's, born from his father’s advice and years of high-level culinary and educational work. We discuss how food can be a tool for healing and mentorship, the challenges of balancing purpose with personal wellness, and why slowing down can actually speed up your impact.

Kip highlighted the success of the Crop Foundation, which he started in 2012 to support culinary education and community engagement.

Upcoming plans include meal planning classes, community soccer events, and expanding Yorkie's impact here in Virginia Beach. Kip is building a cultural movement, and his story is worth a listen.

Key Takeaways

Intro (00:00)

Kip’s nonstop lifestyle and physical movement (01:04)

Introduction of Kip and the origin of Yorkie's (06:22)

Picking the Yorkie's location and naming inspiration (10:08)

HBO’s The Big Brunch experience (14:11)

Mental challenges and stress from the show (18:49)

CROP Foundation’s inception and student impact (25:05)

Food as a vehicle for community and connection (29:23)

Why meal prep is so difficult but necessary (31:57)

Hardest lesson from starting Yorkie's: slowing down (43:44)

Youth-led creativity and the power of giving space (49:12)

 Additional Resources

Yorkie's Instagram – Kip’s restaurant and community space

Yorkie's Website

Kip’s Instagram

Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara – Book influential to Kip’s philosophy

CROP Foundation – Kip’s nonprofit supporting young culinary students 

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