Adult Enrichment Centers Announces Flipside Restaurant Group as Culinary Partner for New School of the Arts Program

ROCK HILL, S.C. | August 14, 2026 Adult Enrichment Centers (AEC) is proud to announce Flipside Restaurant Group as the official culinary partner for the Culinary Arts Program within its new School of the Arts (SOTA), bringing together respected culinary expertise and AEC’s commitment to creating purposeful opportunities for neurodiverse adults.

Launching in January 2027, the culinary program will provide neurodiverse adults enrolled as SOTA members with hands-on culinary training designed to build practical skills, confidence, and pathways for personal and professional growth. While the curriculum is currently under development, participants can expect a structured, skills-based program with culinary skill assessments that celebrate growth and achievement throughout their experience.

The partnership with Flipside Restaurant Group marks a significant milestone in the development of AEC’s School of the Arts, an innovative initiative that expands opportunities for neurodiverse adults through specialized programming in the arts, creativity, and workforce readiness.

Owned by acclaimed chefs Jon and Amy Fortes, Flipside Restaurant Group has become known throughout York County for its commitment to exceptional food, hospitality, and community. Together, the couple brings more than 30 years of culinary experience and a shared passion for investing in people.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Chef Jon, Chef Amy, and the entire Flipside team as we build something truly unique for our community,” said Samantha Krigshauser, CEO of Adult Enrichment Centers. “This partnership represents more than a culinary program. It’s an opportunity for our members to learn from industry leaders, develop meaningful skills and gain competitive wage employment as well as an opportunity for our community to experience the benefits of being  truly inclusive.”

For Chef Jon and Chef Amy, the partnership reflects the same values that have guided their restaurants from the very beginning.

“Having worked in kitchens for a combined 50 plus years, we’ve always believed food has the power to bring people together,” said Jon and Amy Fortes. “We’re honored to partner with Adult Enrichment Centers to help build a program that creates opportunities for neurodiverse individuals to learn, grow, and discover new possibilities through culinary arts.”

Additional details, including enrollment information, curriculum highlights, and program requirements, will be announced in the coming months. Community members are encouraged to follow Adult Enrichment Centers for updates as the program continues to take shape.

For more information about Adult Enrichment Centers and the School of the Arts, visit www.adultenrichmentcenters.org.