It was 2013. Something is going on in a house in South Central LA. Crips and Bloods are present. People are constantly coming in and out. The cops investigate. They must be selling something. They are. Great food!

After Malachi Jenkins, a member of the Crips, graduated from the cooking school Le Cordon Bleu, a mutual friend introduced him to Roberto Smith, a member of the Bloods. The two became fast friends, bonding on their love of “food and girls.”

Also known as “Chef Spank,” Jenkins began posting photos of his food on Instagram. After people started placing orders to have the food delivered, Jenkins and Smith expanded their business to meet demand founding Trap Kitchen LA, a catering company and food delivery service. Their celebrity customers include The Roots, Kendrick Lamar, and Reverend Run.

Jenkins told Fox’s Good Day LA, “All money ain’t good money. We needed to find something legit to do.” The company employs other community members, such as Larry Williams, who was recently released from prison on an assault charge, and is thriving as member of the Trap Kitchen team. As Jenkins goes on to say, “As long as you stay positive, you can do whatever you put your mind to.” Words to live by, gentlemen.

More information on the company can be found at their website: www.trapkitchen.com.