The brand new, expanded kitchen at Sam's Place got its first real test Wednesday before they open up officially within a couple weeks.

Sam's Place, a branch of MCC Manitoba, has been closed since November 2017 in order to accommodate necessary renovations to a kitchen that was too small. The new kitchen allows for better training as part of Sam's Place Youth Engagement Program, which teaches kids meaningful job skills in a welcoming environment.

"We are really excited about this space being so much more expanded," said Ruth Plett, Sam's Place manager. "There is much more capacity for working with a variety of youth and a lot more capacity for training."

Working with youth is the core of what Sam's Place is all about. Plett says the kitchen expansion included new, commercial style equipment, which is closer to what youth would be working on at a future job.

Further, Plett says they want to make Sam's Place a "place where you can find a sense of community."

Sam's Place will officially open within two weeks, and the grand opening will be in April 2018. Plett says they will continue to offer their usual menu, which includes soup, salad, and sandwiches that are made from scratch.

According to Plett, the menu is also "really delicious."