Our work with the nonprofit Joy Kitchen is a great example of one of the firm’s strategic pro bono priorities, empowering community. Joy Kitchen emerged from one man’s vision to use culinary training as a tool to empower overlooked and underestimated youth in the neighborhood where he grew up. Sterling Wright’s journey began in the heart of J.C. Napier Homes, where a supportive community and a passion for cooking helped shape his future. Inspired by his culinary experiences at McGavock High School, Sterling pursued a career as a chef, eventually earning a finalist spot on Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen. Determined to give back, Sterling began mentoring youth in Napier community and through the Davidson County Juvenile Court.
In 2025 Bryan Bennett met Sterling and was inspired to work with him to create a nonprofit that would provide culinary training, restaurant experience, job placement, and most importantly, personal and spiritual support and mentorship: “The first time Sterling walked me through the neighborhood, I just imagined that behind these brick walls are kids with the same God-given potential as kids at Oak Hill or MBA or whatever school in town but a fraction of a percent of the opportunity given to them. There is that opportunity now.”
Bass, Berry & Sims has provided pro bono legal counsel to Joy Kitchen on matters including commercial leasing, trademark protection, and employment law. Reflecting on our work with Joy Kitchen, Bass, Berry & Sims attorney Justin Hay said, “The firm does quite a bit of work in the Napier community. It is important to me and an extension of the firm to continue that work. Seeing a 501(c)(3) be born and seeing the impact on the community is an extra reward.”
Since its founding, Joy Kitchen has identified a location to lease and is actively developing plans to launch Joy Restaurant—a space designed to foster dignity, joy, and economic opportunity for youth in the Napier community. We are honored to continue to play a role in helping Joy Kitchen build and grow a sustainable platform for youth empowerment and community revitalization. To learn more about Joy Kitchen, watch the video below.
