From Prison to Pizzeria: How Philly’s Best Pizza Joint is Fighting Mass Incarceration

[@FirstWeFeast]

*“Since we was looking like the villains, why not be the heroes” - Down North Pizza*

[@SteinBergsson]

Pathetic. (If you don't know you own language, it's truly pathetic)

[@Tonyhouse1168]

^ that last commenter is pathetic. Thank you for featuring these gentlemen and their business FWF. Y’all are real ones.

[@ronhanish]

YEP, THEY MAKE MONEY ON YOU LOCKN PEOPLE UP. SIC !

[@ronhanish]

Saute them mushrooms onions peppers ❤

[@ronhanish]

Don't forget fennel seed😃

[@cholosoy8511]

The violation of parole for getting a second job is too real. Had an interview for a dishwasher once, and because we were short, I asked the guy if he could start right away, which he did. He got caught up and couldn’t call his parole officer on time to tell him he would stay after curfew because of his new job. Police went to his house the next day and sent him back to jail. I called everyone I could think of to explain what happened, and went to his hearing and told the judge he was with me all the time and they were welcomed to check on the security cameras to confirm, but to not avail. He finished his remaining 6 months inside and told him he would have a job waiting for him after he got out. Never heard from him again.

[@F0XD1E]

What a tragic ending to that. Hope he pulled through despite the injustice.

[@kn58]

That is so sad

[@Xeonerable]

US prison system is designed to keep people in jail, so private jails have slaves to use for agricultural corporations free labor, who then rake it profits and give a cut to the prison owners and judges that make this all happen.

[@nahtesalinas1917]

Very sad.

[@poolhall9632]

So he violated the rules of his parole instead of asking you to give him 24 hours to call his PO? So he ruined his life again for a little extra dishwashing money... that sounds exactly like the type of decision making process that got us here in the first place.

[@MrBoop4345]

Love what these men are doing. My Father-in-law spent 24 years inside. He got his engineering degree while inside, but still had a hard time proving himself outside. I have mad respect for these men trying to change people's lives.

[@chazzyloveee]

That is so amazing he got an engineering degree while incarcerated. Did your FIL end up getting a job in engineering or found another way for providing for himself?

[@CrazeeAdam]

And those are the people that deserve jobs! People don't understand sometimes. Do people make mistakes? Sure. Do they deserve to have a sentence for it? yeah probably. But after they are done with that, after they get out, they have served that time, they have done their work and improved most likely as human beings, like your Father in Law did. They deserve jobs and deserve a life. I'm sorry to hear he was in there for that long! But I'm hoping he has gotten something going as well now that he's out and improved with that degree. :(

[@seankerr1187]

This is one of the best videos the channel has put out. Sometimes people just need help and to see companies trying to help people that need help is so awesome

[@seankerr1187]

Intend of demonizing people, helping people is the answer that will actually help society

[@milkmanchannel1]

These guys show more passion and joy about pizza and food than 90% of the Italian joints I see. Super cool guys, super cool place. I wish them nothing but success

[@ajaylad8168]

make this a national model for second chance franchise around the country

[@Ketraar]

You should lobby to not have people carry what amounts to a life sentence even if they have done the time. Its crazy that people have to carry a permanent record. It should be illegal for people to ask for your criminal record unless its for a security job. If you have done your time, its sentence served, otherwise all sentences are life sentences.

[@beardedchair3]

Every community should have a second chance place great video

[@nahtesalinas1917]

*YES*

[@ronch182]

Tell your government

[@donotcare330]

@@ronch182 No, u gotta pay OFF your government . big dollars. its all about shutting DOWN private run businesses, and corrupt attorneys and prosecutors. People mess up. Guys that do really bad stuff get let out. Guys that do small things and petty get locked up forever.

[@patrickoverstreet2372]

As someone who worked as a CO the biggest issue Ive seen is its a money factory. These prison make around 1.2 million dollars per inmate every year. That combined with the fact that your record isnt cleared if you do your time and are "rehabilitated".

[@ChooRoo]

Often most people just need a chance, too often they are never given that chance. Thanks for sharing this amazing work and that food looks sensational. Much love from South Australia.

[@IshPPG]

I found out about this spot from a shoe launch in a Philly shoe store that they were a part of. The pizza was amazing and their mission even more so. Proud to have these dudes in our community.

[@pearvoz]

This is a great story, so glad First We Feast went out and covered this

[@lbjcb5]

Thank you for spotlighting this on you channel. I would love to see a model like this grow across the country. In LA there's Homeboy Industries that focuses on gang rehabilitation. They make great food!

[@liveyourdreammedia]

That pizza place is like one big supportive family. great initiative!

[@kingjamoose]

This is a series that I will watch from end to end every time. So wholesome. Love seeing the good in the world.

[@XzMondayNightzX]

These folks are putting more into society and their work / craft than a lot of people I know who were never incarcerated. Everybody deserves a second chance because you never know who can and is willing to change and why they ended up there in the first place. You gotta support them so they can get back into a stable life. Someday they'll be helping others the same way and who doesn't love a good pizza? System is busted and nobody should be punished for seeking work. They may be called Downnorth but they're going up in my books.

[@jakesmiley1988]

Great to see programs like this helping people to get out of the life. Mad respect.

[@edmanueldiaz23]

From North Philly born and raised.. Down North is definitely a hiden gem!! Happy to see them getting the recognition they deserve 🙌🏻🫡

[@phillybarz]

right cuz how i didnt know about this? finna pull up td

[@colemurray7292]

From Philly, We need more places like Down North. Not just here, but across the country. Glad to learn about this spot and am excited to try it out and support!

[@MikeDiEva]

I used to drive from Delco to get Down North. The pies go absolutely crazy, nothing but respect for the whole crew.

[@juankruger2598]

BRrilliant!! I love what you guys are doing for those who struggle or simply don't have a chance to find work and a place to stay due to their past and/or circumstances. Fugging Fantastic!! WAY too many people can't move on and improve their lives due to what they look like on paper. It's frustrating AF! You guys are magic! I hope your business and ideas grow and GROW and spread and SPREAD. Respect; Love; Admiration and Appreciation for people like you, needed people.

[@HebrewHoney777]

I am so proud of these brothers.

[@xxPenjoxx]

The world can be a dark, dreary place. Stories like this one brighten the mind. Nice work, everyone 👏

[@marylandlax3]

This is such a beautiful video, I’ve studied some criminal justice reform for a while I was working on my political science degree and man the system unfortunately isn’t broken, it’s working exactly as intended which is a sick and vile thing to even think about. So many lives needlessly ruined, it warms my heart to see these men rise above this which would’ve already been uplifting enough but to see them give back to their community as well, nothing but love to all these men from Atl ❤

[@venadacent7696]

What a great initiative these gentlemen are fronting. I really hope Down North goes nationwide and all the best to gents and their families.

[@kevingibson2519]

This is incredible and I'd watch a whole series on this shop

[@Iban-Underground]

The food looks delicious, and I'm glad that they are helping people get back up on their feet. The system in once doesn't work, and until systemic work can be done, little acts of activism such as this helps many people. Incredible coverage guys! Would love to see more of this stuff.

[@gamertrem1884]

Break down all those barriers. This is amazing. I really hope you're able to spread out across the US. Give some hope and save some lives. Not to mention that pizza looks incredible!

[@DIZEMANPHOTO]

I applaud your direction and wish you all the success this life can offer. KUDOS!!!!! When my son was eight years-old, my wife asked me to go into my office and write some words to help him understand life and give him direction. One of the quips I wrote to help him understand the importance of overcoming obstacles goes like this... "When life appears to be little more than one irritation after another... Remember, without the irritation of the sand the Oyster would never know the beauty of the Pearl." Keep it up, don't stop! CONTINUE making "DOWN NORTH PIZZA" a shining beacon of hope and the lifeboat so many need to keep from drowning. SALUTE!

[@Surkai25]

what a great spotlight! keep slinging those pies fellas!!!

[@Sonny1065LV]

Everyone should watch this, wishing these dudes all the best moving forward. That pizza looks incredibly delicious!!!

[@koriecull]

This whole doc was amazing. More of this please and a catch up to see where they are a year from now!

[@kariblackwood5811]

I commend these guys for their hard work! That pizza looks amazing! There are repercussions for criminal activity, but it’s great to see these guys being a positive influence on their community. ❤

[@Krataios20]

this is so wholesome. no words, just a mad amount of respect

[@trishhunt4085]

Okay, now I want to go to Philly not just to taste that amazing pizza, but to meet these wonderful humans. This video filled me we hope and positivity and these men need to know that!

[@KayExposesTruth]

13:13 "It's lonely at the top" **Amazing story** & would LOVE to hear the SONG ❤ LETS GO!

[@paladonis]

Growing up on a "square pizza" Totinos and microwave pizza ls life. When you had to watch over yourself or you and siblings and you can't use the stove for stuff. Such a cool and amazing idea. Well done you guys! EDIT: Was also talking about way back in the 90s before DoorDash and all of that stuff

[@caraeuler2927]

This episode is special and wonderful. Please keep making these.

[@westnilesnipes]

Man, I haven’t been back to Philly since college. Might be time to swing by for a visit and get some of this pizza 😊

[@Jaetheeintrovert]

I hope to see Down North here in MN 😭❤️ this was really good I loved it

[@AzerFraze]

"we call it the cheese fence" these guys got a great sense of humor

[@AnoteFrom2]

As a Detroiter, this pizza looks amazing and I wanna try it. As a detroiter, this story is inspiring.

[@itsamedylan]

Love this. This type of coverage is important. Thank you FWF and Down North.

[@Mary_Jacobs]

They have been doing such great work for years here in Philly, love to see this feature

[@BrennanJ96]

So cool that you guys are highlighting this on your channel

[@Tonyhouse1168]

Their Eater video was so awesome! Love these guys. I’ve been looking into how to donate some tools to them so they don’t have to use a hand wrench to pull the pizza boxes

[@themuse7729]

What happened with these men that sets them on a different path, outside of the life they were living when they went to prison. I truly wish them the best and applaud their efforts to create change in the community. Good stuff men! Plus, that pizza looks 🔥.

[@TheInternetIsDeadToMe]

This was awesome to watch. The positivity coming from these guys is inspiring.

[@windy.way0]

This was such a crusting episode. This is one of the places I look forward to trying when I go to Philly❤

[@NateyCat]

This is the “This restores my faith in humanity”. People deserve a second, third, fourth, tenth chance. We’re all humans with sometimes bad stories. Great job everyone involved.

[@mark11302]

Tenth chance? What? You're serious? So someone who had had 10 run-ins with the law deserves an 11th chance? Where is the limit? You are the reason crime is on the rise in many major metropolitan areas. Criminals love to exploit your weakness.

[@NateyCat]

@@mark11302 you must be fun at parties

[@mark11302]

@@NateyCat And you're naive.

[@Charliengo99]

Amazing story and food. Hopefully this gets more recognized, and society will be more open to give people another chance to prove themselves. With the economic downfall the country has been dealing with, doesn't it seem smart to promote things like this?

[@MrTranzformer1]

The problem is that if you have 50+ applications why would you put the prisoners on top of that stack do they deserve it more than someone who didn't get a criminal record? If there is nobody applying sure but I don't see why anyone with a criminal record should be chosen over someone who does not unless they are truly more qualified

[@danielrohrbach2970]

@@MrTranzformer1 I would say yes. Wouldn't other companies do the same thing for non convicts?

[@PaulrHobson]

These men didn't overcome themselves, they overcame a system that abused them. This is protest, this is fighting back against the shameful acts of the powerful against the powerless. Rise up. Down North. What a way to launch a new series, FWF. more please.

[@NicoleMcGuey]

This is so touching and heart warming ❤❤❤

[@D1210]

Hands down the best pizzas I have ever seen. Love to try.

[@brichandra]

Thank you for doing this series. It’s educating us on issues that are sooo important that are not talked about a lot, so thank you. 🙏🏼

[@CraftSlayer1]

Those pizzas look downright beautiful. Those are works of art right there.

[@UhOhRockAndRoll]

I love this. Looking forward to the rest of the series. If I'm ever in Philly I'll make sure to drop by.

[@Metamophisis]

Man this is one of the best videos 📹 I ever seen in my life! The cause and transition!

[@richardbostick8675]

My whole life I grew up watching my 2 older brothers be in and out of prison. If they had a place like this maybe they would have been home more

[@80kaudio]

Salute to these brothers for making good food and changing lives...I love it

[@senor360]

Amazing video and amazing group of people helping those that deserve it have a second chance. Plus the pizza looks f’ing amazing!!! 🤤

[@stacybrown3429]

TY First We Great for standing up for our fellow Americans. ❤❤❤❤ Beautiful

[@Glokta4]

Great story, heartbreaking that the farm is right ouside the gate and they can't even share the food.

[@katyas-mom]

Contracts. That's how people make their money.

[@dascudder]

I love this..... There is always hope. And those Pizzas look BOSS!!

[@edcmt247]

Nothing but love and respect for the men of Down North. 🔥

[@bootsanator]

Feels like I'm watching a Channel 5 news piece, I hope you guys keep this type of thing up interspersed with the other content it really speaks to the type of people y'all are and the change you want to see in the world.

[@pietro160775]

Love that story, more power to you my brothers

[@keithkamps77]

Great video guys, I'm in Brooklyn NY and am going to get a ride together and head over to Down North.

[@daveshereman8764]

Good for you. That's awesome. Continued success.

[@mailonwilliams6864]

Really want to go check this spot out ✊🏽✊🏽✊🏽

[@eileenrivers3822]

What they are doing is a beautiful thing! Can't wait to see Down North in my area! I'll definitely frequent the place! Keep up the good work!

[@SmokeyOwOs]

I remember the original video another channel made on them, im so happy theyre still going strong, absolutely would love to go visit one day.

[@Goosefang]

Pizza lookin dope had me thinking of checkin this place out next time I’m in Philly, but what they are doin….I’m not thinking about it anymore. Definitely gonna stop in on my next Philly trip

[@markscott4159]

Just discovered the "food heros" portion of first we feast and this is the 3rd video I've watched. To everyone involved with Down North yall are doing great things and I hope you can expand especially if it's closer to the west coast those pizzas look delicious

[@frankkottwitz6279]

Love it guy’s getting a another chance and serving their community awesome!

[@monkieie]

I personally am not a fan of the deeeep pizzas but am impressed by the setup and doff my hat for your support of the guys. 100%!!

[@Jasperito7]

I thought I knew about the cycle of recidivism, but this video proved to me how little I did. These guys are awesome for what they do. AND the pizza looks killer

[@PerfectlyUselessComment]

I know where I'm going next time im in Philly.

[@LearningToLove..]

Giving back to the community & Good Eats!! Keep up the *amazing* work fellas 😆🫶🏽💪🏾

[@ugh001]

really great watch. respect all around

[@Riaalwayspretty]

I love this! If we had more rehabilitation and people given a chance to change it would impact this country❤ if I’m ever in Philly I’ll be visiting ❤

[@johngarrett2062]

I love it. Same boat right now.

[@pouranmalekzadeh9122]

This should be on TV. I remember tutoring children in low income neighborhoods and learning that statistic: that it was a business to see how many African American boys were in elementary school to build prisons for them. We have a very troubling history of the way we perceive the minority (whether it is African Americans or Native Americans etc). It is so sad that people behave like this. How much money is too much?

[@kevinkev1530]

Beautiful thing!!!!!!!!! Keep up the great work fellas, ❤❤❤❤❤

[@modest-wisdom]

DOPE episode! Need more of this!

[@anthony0781]

Amazing vid, we need more positivity. People need to see stories like this!

[@JoyCassi]

Great story and amazing passion. I’m hungry now 😭👏🏿

[@AllenBearce]

Thank you for putting this out.

[@angelpuss3155]

Inspiration right here!!

[@MarcelZ]

Loved that one! Have to go there once I visit Philly. ♥️😊

[@cobrakai8049]

Great series. Love to find these gems.

[@theskipgilberto]

People make mistakes. You gotta be able to move forward. Good job.

[@unoriginalname3442]

Some don't even make "mistakes". Some simply possess drugs and thats enough to have your entire life ruined. Its a tragedy and it completely waters down the word "criminal"

[@Megatronmarc]

Amazing Episode

[@benjaminbowie8503]

Great job... keep up the hustle

[@nhokonhokopuala]

This is such a great project, im sharing this to all my friends❤❤

[@matthewbenedict5923]

So cool- Massive Support!

[@phug0id]

beautiful work!

[@TakenTook]

11:25 -- They probably can't take the fresh fruit grown in the orchard and use it for the commissary in the jail, because some corporation already has an exclusive contract to supply food to the prison. Just like they mentioned earlier in the video, this is tied to a profit motive for certain people

[@sakkarabeirre]

Definitely going next time i’m in Philly!

[@markrahn127]

LOVE THIS!!!

[@KatStezens]

I love this show! More please 🙏🏾

[@PawleyWalnuts]

Need more of this in this country. Hats off to these men.