Toure Folkes is the Executive Director of Turning Tables, a New Orleans-based nonprofit that is redefining what leadership looks like in the city’s hospitality and spirits industry. We sat down with Toure to talk about how his 12-week externship program is helping create real career paths for bartenders from underrepresented communities. The program combines hands-on training, mental health resources, and mentorship rooted in New Orleans culture.

We also dive into how the cocktail industry is evolving, why representation matters behind the bar, and how Turning Tables is adapting to meet the needs of a new generation of hospitality professionals. From classic drinks to cultural impact, Toure shares how the program builds confidence, community, and opportunity, one cocktail at a time.

Mission Bayou is presented by Comfy Stone, a New Orleans-based video production agency that helps organizations amplify their impact through mission-driven storytelling. From fundraising videos and social media content to full-scale podcast production, Comfy Stone makes it easy for organizations to share their stories in a way that resonates.

Follow Comfy Stone

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/comfystonefilms/

Website: https://www.comfystone.com/