LOS ANGELES – It’s not uncommon to see electronic ankle bracelets on some of Chef Keith Corbin’s employees at Alta Restaurant — many of them are dealing with criminal offenses. 

But as one who was formerly incarcerated himself, Corbin doesn’t believe in letting one’s past dictate the future. 

After overcoming his own challenges being raised in Watts, when he made a decision to turn his life around for the better, he also decided he would help others who have been in his shoes. 

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His Los Angeles based restaurant, Alta, is a testament to that.

“When I had an opportunity to start hiring, of course, I went straight to where those that were in the position that I was in. So you’re background don’t mean anything here. Up until the day you start, it don’t even matter,” Corbin said.

His soul food restaurant celebrates traditional foods, with a modern touch, such as their popular ox tails.

 Offering healthy selections is just as important as involving his community in that process.

“I wanted to show that if we were afforded those resources, those products, those produces, that the food that we create, can be just as clean, just as refined, and just as healthy as any other cultures,” Corbin explained.

Empowering his culture is a priority.

His team works hard to create the fresh items on the menu, all while working to re-create their own futures.

“You’ve got to give them a place where they feel safe and comfortable coming, and thats what we’ve created here,” he said.

Even the manager of his restaurant, Jacques Norton, was previously convicted, having served three years in prison. But that never stopped Corbin from trusting him with such a key position in his restaurant.

“Everybody has a background, everybody has a past. Everybody has mistakes that they’ve made, it really doesn’t matter what mistakes you’ve made in the past, it’s more along the lines of how you’ve picked yourself up, and what you’ve done in the present. And what you plan on doing in the future. You can’t judge a person off their past,” Norton said. 

That’s why when you walk into Alta, you’ll see a diverse team, ready to create good food, and new beginnings.

The chef’s advice to those looking for a positive life change:

“Just be ready for the transition. If you’re not ready yet, then don’t squander the opportunity for somebody else. And don’t waste your time and start your new career off on a bad rep.,” he advised.

As for Corbin, his rep, and legacy within the community, is growing.