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
- Food Handler Certification
- Understand expectations of a working kitchen
- Begin working clean, organized, and on time
- Produce foundational stocks and sauces
- Understand salt, fat, acid, and heat in practice
- Apply dry and moist heat methods correctly
- Use kitchen math for scaling and consistency
- Prepare dishes with repeatable results
- Identify and apply herbs and spices appropriately
- Workshop and develop menu for Cafe Day service
- Produce dishes in a timed service environment
- Communicate clearly and work as a team
- Plate with consistency and intention
- Review primal cuts and poultry
- Cook proteins to proper doneness
- Farmers Market sourcing
- Prepare full dishes with minimal guidance
- Demonstrate consistency, organization, and professionalism
- Operate as a contributing team member
- Restaurant Takeover at Bread & Roses Café
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: August 4, 2026 (Apply by July 17) | October 6, 2026 (Apply by September 18) | December 15, 2026 (Apply by November 20)
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 Food Handler Certificate? Alumni can recertify through St. Joseph Center for the cost of the course and exam, totaling $10.
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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