ITHACA, NY (607NewsNow) – Another Ithaca area business is receiving state recognition.

On June 23, State Senator Lea Webb presented Lev Kitchen with the New York State Empire Award.

Started by Cornell alumni in March 2022, the restaurant prioritizes people and sustainability in its business model by actively partnering with local organizations to employ refugees and recent immigrants. Additionally, Lev Kitchen reduces its environmental footprint by using locally sourced ingredients.

“We are honored to accept the Empire State Award in recognition of what we’ve tried to do over the past few years,” said co-founder Benjamin Plotke. “We have really focused on building meaningful relationships in the community and with local producers, and it is incredibly exciting to be celebrated for our approach. [I] hope we can serve as an inspiration for others by showing what is possible when community and sustainability come first.”

Last Thursday, Ithaca College alum Olivia Carpenter received an Empire Award for her baking business Via’s Cookies.