Tell us a bit about yourself—your background, education, and culinary journey.
I’m Mariah Moore, and I’ve been working in the culinary world for over ten years—ever since I was 16. My early training was rooted in classical French cuisine, which means I come from a background that’s strict, precise, and driven by excellence. I even worked in a Michelin-starred kitchen in San Francisco.
Crossroads is my first experience working in the nonprofit world, and I’ve loved the transition. It’s completely different from a traditional restaurant kitchen, but I’ve found a deep sense of purpose here. It wasn’t what I was used to in terms of workload, but I loved the challenge of high-volume food service. What really drew me in, though, was the people. Guests started asking me for recipes or sharing memories about food—that personal connection hooked me. I thought, Let me make this my domain.
You’re known for working so well with everyone—guests, volunteers, staff. What’s your secret?
Honestly, most people just need information—clear, respectful communication goes a long way. On the client side of things, I always think of everyone we serve as a guest. My job is to create and serve food that makes them feel welcomed, nourished, and loved. I want every person who comes through our doors to feel like they’re being cared for in a meaningful way.
Can you share a bit about Crossroads itself—its mission, who it serves, and what makes it so unique?
Crossroads has been serving the Detroit community for 50 years, offering critical support to individuals and families experiencing homelessness or significant hardship. One of our most impactful services is assisting with vital documents—like state IDs and birth certificates—which are often the essential first step toward stability. Each year, we serve more than 40,000 people, and our Sunday Soup Kitchen plays a major role in that care, providing an average of 26,000 meals annually.
Additionally, we are the only hot meal option available in this area on Sundays, and people know that. Many families come straight from church—kids dressed up, smiling, excited. We prepare for the after-church rush every week, and it’s become an extension of our connection to the community. It’s not just about food—it’s about fellowship.
What makes Crossroads unique is the deep trust and love we have for the community. Our staff understands poverty—not just on paper, but in real life. We know what people need to get through this week, and we do our best to provide it with dignity and care.
Can you share a story or moment that really stands out from your time at Crossroads?
Yes—my sous chef, Ethan. He’s 14 years old and started coming in on Sundays. He latched onto me right away and one day he asked, “Can I volunteer?” Since then, he’s proudly declared himself the sous chef—he even tells people he’s waiting on his business cards!
Ethan is the perfect example of what Crossroads represents. He knows he’s safe here. He’s seen. He belongs. He’s getting the resources he needs and growing in confidence every week.
That’s what Crossroads is all about—helping people at a pivotal moment in their lives.
If any of this resonated with you, we’d love you to join as we come alongside Chef Mariah at Crossroads on August 24th. We have two shifts available, a morning and an afternoon. You can find more information about serving and sign-up by clicking here.