6888 Kitchen serves entrepreneurs while honoring Dayton history

DAYTON, Ohio ( WDTN ) — A local veteran is helping businesses cook up success.

On Ludlow Street, you'll find a kitchen inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs. Part of the three-person team that brought the kitchen to Dayton is Charlynda Scales, an Air Force Veteran who wanted to bring a new kind of service to her community.

"It's the idea of serving others and putting it into practice, how do we serve this community? 6888 Kitchen is our love letter to Dayton," said Scales.

The location not only provides a state-of-the-art kitchen but also mentorship programs and access to capital. Starting in early 2024, the kitchen has already seen an influx of business owners looking to expand their products and inspire creation.

"It helped me get my clientele up where I could initially start monthly and that in itself speaks volumes, and gave me an opportunity to put myself out there. And it has definitely been a different experience for my business. It has made me elevate, and I actually love being down here," said Martina Scott, Boss Potatoes LLC owner.

The numbers in 6888 Kitchen are no accident – it was specifically chosen to honor the Six Triple Eight – the first and only all-black women's Army Corps that was deployed in World War II.

"When we were trying to figure out what to name this, we talked with a radio station that said you remind me of the 6 Triple Eight," said Scales.

During World War II, the Six Triple Eight was sent to recover 1.7 million parcels of mail that was stuck in a warehouse. It was believed that soldiers would lose their morale if they did not hear from home.

"Morale means hearing from your loved ones. We can help win the war by doing our small part," said Scales.

The unit also had a close connection to the Gem City.

"In the research for the 6888, we found out that their commander Lt. Colonel Charity Adams Earley was a resident of Dayton Ohio," said Scales.

Whether it's through cooking up success, or inspiring others to chase their entrepreneurial dreams, Scales says that she hopes that the kitchen is a continuation of her service but with a hometown feel while remembering the brave women of the 6888.

"This is American history. This is an untold story of how we won the war. And we want people to learn that story," said Scales.