This classroom is dedicated to Chad and Julia Hoffer, who have shown unending generosity and love for UP from its inception. The fundraisers they hosted at Thames Street Kitchen, a Newport restaurant phenomenon they built from scratch, resulted in thousands of dollars in donations, all supporting the Universal Promise mission of education as a means to achieve and sustain equity.
Julia grew up in Newport, Rhode Island, and, after secondary school, she moved to New York City, where she earned her B.A. in Communications and Broadcasting from Fordham University. She worked as a television casting producer for ABC, Bravo, and National Geographic, and produced television for The History Channel. Chad grew up in Minot, North Dakota, and later moved to New York City to study culinary arts at The French Culinary Institute. He began his cooking career at New York City hotspot BLT Prime and later worked at BLT Market, Dove Tail, and The Standard Hotel.
Education has always been an integral part of Chad’s and Julia’s lives. They are inspired by worldly experiences and exploring other cultures. In 2010, Julia and Chad moved to Newport, Rhode Island, and, together with Julia’s twin sister and her husband, opened Thames Street Kitchen, a farm-to-table restaurant that features locally sourced cuisine. TSK ultimately paved the way for other restaurants, including anything from yummy, fast-casual cuisine to exceptional upper-end dining.
Julia and Chad have one daughter, Pearl Lee Hoffer, who spends her days enjoying all she is learning from her teachers, her peers, and the world around her.
Honoured by Universal Promise