Bread & Roses Training Kitchen
Bread & Roses
Training Kitchen
Workforce Development
Building Careers in
the Kitchen
Founded in 1991, the Bread & Roses Training Kitchen prepares individuals for careers in the food service industry through hands-on culinary training, mentorship, and real-world kitchen experience.
Over the course of 12 weeks, students develop kitchen skills, learn about food sourcing and nutrition, and gain professional experience through internships at restaurants across Los Angeles. In a city where the restaurant industry is a major economic driver, these skills can open doors to long-term employment.
Program Overview
From Training to Internship
The Bread & Roses Training Kitchen combines classroom instruction, hands-on kitchen training, and professional internships to prepare students for careers in the culinary industry.
Weeks 1–8
Culinary Training
Students train in the Bread & Roses teaching kitchen under the guidance of professional chefs, developing foundational cooking techniques and kitchen skills. During this time, students also assist in preparing meals at the Bread & Roses Café and participate in field trips to local farmers' markets to learn about food sourcing and sustainable agriculture.
Weeks 9–12
Culinary Training
Students complete an 80-hour internship at a partner restaurant or institutional kitchen across Los Angeles, gaining real-world experience in professional kitchens. 80% of students are hired by their internship site.
Program Syllabus
What Students Learn
- Program introduction
- Expectations, grading, and testing
- Food nutrition
- Introduction to the kitchen and culinary industry
- Knife skills
- Bread & Roses Café kitchen practicum
- Stocks
- Herbs and spices
- Emulsification
- Degreasing and deglazing
- Contemporary sauces
- Flavor pairing
- Herbs and spices
- Regional agriculture
- Farmers market visit
- Soups, purees, and gazpacho
- Bread, pasta, and biscuits
- Latin American cuisine
- Vietnamese and Thai cuisine
- Mediterranean cuisine
- Italian cuisine
- Cooking methods
- Chopped challenge
- International cooking techniques
- Café Day preparation
- Primal cuts and meat preparation
- Café Day
- Fish preparation
- Sushi
- Fusion cooking
- Desserts
- Final written exam
- Final practical exam
- Internship placement
Apply
Start Your Culinary Career
The Bread & Roses Training Kitchen is designed for individuals who are committed to building a stable career in the food service industry. If you are ready to learn, grow, and work in a professional kitchen environment, we encourage you to apply.
Program Start Date: April 1, 2026
Eligibility Requirements:
- 18 years of age or older
- Stably housed or sheltered
- Low income
- Unemployed or underemployed
- Drug and alcohol free
- Reliable transportation to attend daily classes
Support Beyond the Program
Graduates of the Bread & Roses Training Kitchen remain part of a supportive culinary community. Alumni have access to ongoing resources, professional opportunities, and ways to stay connected with the program.
Need to renew your ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification? Alumni classes and testing are available for the cost of the exam, $35.
Job openings from our restaurant partners and culinary networks are shared regularly with alumni.
Alumni are invited to support current students by sharing their experience and expertise. Ways to get involved include:
Guest Chef Series – Demonstrate a favorite recipe or technique during Guest Chef Day
Mentorship – Make yourself available to answer questions and guide students entering the industry
Story & Experience Sharing – Share your career journey, along with tips and lessons learned along the way
Job Skills Training – Speak with students about the soft skills that are essential in professional kitchens.
Have a new job, promotion, or culinary venture to celebrate? We love highlighting alumni accomplishments. Share your updates and we may feature your story on the St. Joseph Center website or social media.
Alumni feedback helps strengthen the Bread & Roses Training Kitchen and shape future growth. Share your thoughts, ideas, or suggestions to help improve the program.
Email us to recertify, stay on the job announcement list, share updates, or explore ways to stay involved with the program.
Get Involved
Partner With the
Training Kitchen
Partners in the food service community help make the Bread & Roses Training Kitchen possible. Chefs, restaurants, food experts, volunteers, and donors all play a role in preparing students for careers in the culinary industry.
Guest Chefs
Guest chefs lead a demonstration for students by sharing a favorite recipe, technique, or kitchen skill. These sessions give students the chance to learn directly from working culinary professionals and gain insight into real kitchen environments.
Become a Guest Chef
Internship Partner
Restaurants can support the program by hosting a student for an 80-hour internship during the final weeks of training. Internship partners provide real kitchen experience and help prepare students for careers in the culinary industry.
Become an Internship Partner
Donated Equipment
Restaurants, companies, and community partners can support the students by donating kitchen equipment and supplies. These contributions help ensure students have the tools they need as they begin careers in professional kitchens.
Email Us About Equipment DonationsFrom the Kitchen
The Impact of
the Program
Students and staff share their experiences inside the Bread & Roses Training Kitchen and how the program is helping individuals build skills and pursue careers in the culinary industry.
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