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Rothschild said many of the employees who have worked in the Irwin Street Market, located in the heart of Atlanta’s revitalized Old Fourth Ward, are gay and lesbian.
“We’re an important part of the community,” Rothschild said. “We’re very diverse. We’re not political, but we’re warm and welcoming and supportive of gay causes.”
“There are plenty of gay people working there,” Rothschild added.
The cooking school, Irwin Street Community Kitchen, offers regular classes on everything from sharpening your knife skills to cooking with fish. There are even “singles nights” and classes geared toward children. The school offers some 25 classes each month hosted by six Atlanta chefs. Rothschild hosts regular classes on making ice cream.
Rothschild, 49, sold his stake in the Irwin Street Market in late 2011 but has stayed on as a creative consultant, he said.
Despite a down economy, Jake’s Ice Cream and Irwin Street Market continue to do well, he said.
“It really hasn’t been a negative,” Rothschild said. “People will always treat themselves to ice cream.”