
Café & Bakery

About the Program
Opened in 2015, our café and bakery serves as our training facility that teaches our students culinary arts and customer service. Students are rotated through the sections of front of house, cashier, coffee barista, prepping station, cooking station, and baking station.
Here they learn the food industry and learn how to serve our customers. It provides an excellent environment to learn the basics in this career path and to discover which parts of the restaurant are your strengths. Many of our students reluctantly serve in the front of the house, only to discover a new confidence on how to interact with people on a daily basis.
Please check out our menu and hours. Some of our items are also for sale on our website. Thank you for helping us bake towards a better future!
Interested in this program? Contact Us
Learn cooking, prep work, and valuable customer service skills.
What Our Students Say About MBW Café
Mentors & Staff
Chef Ashley Allen Sr.
Executive Chef | Culinary Educator | Visionary Restaurateur, Cafe & Bakery
Chef Ashley Allen Sr., born and raised in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, began his culinary journey at age 10 in his grandmother’s kitchen at DJ’s Bar & Restaurant—now Shipwreck Restaurant. He quickly advanced through roles in local kitchens and luxury resorts in the USVI. This hands-on foundation evolved into professional mastery that launched a lifelong career in culinary innovation. His culinary ascent took him to Miami, where he joined Tony Roma’s and became a corporate trainer, opening over 15 restaurants across the U.S. There, he honed core principles of consistency, efficiency, and flavor presentation—skills that would define his leadership style. His passion for culinary excellence led him to formal training in Mississippi, where he also served as Chef de Cuisine at Bruno’s Eclectic Cuisine. In 2001, Chef Ashley returned home to St. Thomas with a renewed purpose: to contribute to the cultural and culinary identity of the Virgin Islands. While exploring graphic design professionally, he continued his culinary pursuits behind the scenes, envisioning something greater—an accredited Culinary Institute in the Virgin Islands and a restaurant platform for local chefs to showcase their craft. In addition to his role at MBW, Chef Ashley serves as the Executive Chef of Lemniscate Hospitality Group, where he continues to elevate Caribbean cuisine and inspire future chefs. With a career spanning over three decades, his mission is clear: to feed the soul, honor heritage, and build the future of culinary arts in the Caribbean. Personal Motto: “Food is Life.
Trevorlyn Caines
Trainer, MBW Cafe & Bakery
Born and raised in the vibrant, culturally rich landscape of Puerto Rico, Trevorlyn Caines is no stranger to the power of diversity and community. With over 30 years of experience in sales management, Trevorlyn has cultivated a successful career built on leadership, relationship-building, and a deep understanding of people’s needs and motivations. After decades in the corporate world, Trevorlyn made the decision to return to the Virgin Islands, embracing a new chapter focused on purpose and service. This shift led her to My Brother's Workshop (MBW), a transformative organization that empowers youth through mentorship, education, and skill-building. Now living a life rooted in service, Trevorlyn finds joy and fulfillment in being part of the MBW mission—helping to uplift others and give back to the community. For her, this is more than just a career change; it’s a calling. Being a part of MBW has not only allowed her to use her experience in new, meaningful ways but has also reconnected her with what matters most: people, purpose, and positive impact.
Chef Kaija Edwards
Trainer, MBW Cafe & Bakery
Kaija is a passionate pastry chef and entrepreneur from St. Thomas, blending creativity, skill, and business acumen to craft memorable culinary experiences. With formal training from the Culinary Institute of America—earning a Baking & Pastry Arts Business Management Degree—Kaija combines artistry in the kitchen with a strong foundation in operations and hospitality. Her professional journey spans The Ritz-Carlton and The Westin Frenchman’s Reef, artisanal bakeries, and high-volume food service environments, where she honed expertise in pastry production, cake decoration, menu planning, and event catering. Kaija is also the owner of K’s Cakery Bakery Cafe, a growing brand rooted in Caribbean traditions and innovative dessert concepts. Recognized for her dedication, leadership, and customer-focused approach, Kaija thrives in fast-paced environments, delivering high-quality products while fostering strong team collaboration. Beyond the kitchen, she is deeply involved in her community, having served in leadership roles within the Future Business Leaders of America and contributed to local faith-based youth programs. Kaija has a vision to elevate MBW's Trainees as well as Caribbean-inspired desserts on a global stage.
Location Info
- 1-6 Estate Donoe, Charlotte Amalie, US Virgin Islands 00805
- (340) 715-2767
- Our café is temporarily closed as we transition to our new Main Campus location. Stay tuned - our Main Campus café opening is coming soon!

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