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Seniq’s Variety Café is now an on-site training ground for the youth.

The restaurant held its Teens Grand Opening last week. Seven teenagers will work Friday after school and on Saturdays.

Gimya McGary, Ajeria Golson, Akerriyana Golson, Ayah Carter, Zachenzie Milhouse, Tytianna Parker will get job training from owner Seniq Smith as volunteers.

Smith, who opened the restaurant on Aug. 3, said the female group will cook food, work the cash register and serve customers.

“I feel great about doing this,” Smith said. “I feel that it’s going to help the community. For the girls grades nine through 11, I’m giving them job experience. When the girls apply for jobs, they can put down Seniq’s Variety Café as a reference.”

McGary, a junior at Selma High School, said she’s grateful for the opportunity.

“It means a lot,” McGary said. “This is my first experience working. I’m enjoying it so far.”

“I want to help the community and it’s good to volunteer at the Café after school,” Akerriyana Golson said.

Milhouse, a fourth-grader at Meadowview Elementary School, was inspired over the Christmas holidays.

“My mother had a Christmas party at Seniq’s Café and she asked my aunt if I could work here,” Milhouse said. “I want to own a restaurant someday.”

Smith said she plans to employ teenage boys in the near future.