Sprouts Chef Training

Behind every opportunity is a village. Sprouts chef trainees are supported every step of the way through mentorship, guidance, encouragement, coordination, and a network that shows up day after day to ensure they have the tools and support to thrive. The youth bring the hustle - we’re there to help open the door! Photographer | @timsather.arw Our program coordinator, Ava, alongside chef trainees: Jenai and Xadani #futurechefs #cheftraining #mentorship #workforcedevelopment #sfbayarea

Cocktails that help launch culinary careers? At Michelin Guide–recognized @dalidasf , the Layla + Majnun zero-proof cocktails support Sprouts Chef Training and our mission to create pathways into the culinary industry for under-resourced youth - going beyond a tale said to have inspired Romeo and Juliet. Order the Layla or Majnun and leave an impact long after the last sip! It takes a village. #dalidasf #sfbayarea #sproutscheftraining #givingback

@guittardchocolate ’s making future’s a little sweeter - again! But the real impact runs deeper. It’s the growth of our youth behind the scenes - the culinary skills learned, confidence built, first paycheck earned, and the moment a chef trainee realizes they belong in the culinary industry. That’s the kind of sweetness that lasts. We’re so grateful for Guittard Chocolate and their continued commitment to pouring into the dreams of aspiring youth through Sprouts Chef Training. It takes a village. Photographer | @kimthompsonsteel Sprouts Board Member & Chef Mentor | @dominiquecrenn #guittardchocolate #handsonlearning #futurechefs #sfbayarea

Introducing Chef @lauraozyilmaz to kick off our Powerful Females Gala culinary lineup! Chef Laura has not only taken the Bay Area culinary scene by storm with the opening of her and @sayatozyilmaz ’s second restaurant, @mariaisabelsf_ - but has spent years generously giving back while building. Through Sprouts Chef Training, Chef Laura’s mentorship - rooted in patience, trust, and unwavering support - has helped underserved youth across the Bay believe in what they can become. We’re excited to share more about our November 1st Gala - a night dedicated to power, presence, and paving the way for the next generation. Stay tuned. Presented with support from: @opentable @teakhaus @strausmilk @guittardchocolate @jpmorganchase @usbank #lauraozyilmaz #dalidasf #mariaisabelsf #gala #sproutscheftraining

Since 2012, every journey has started side by side. Through a full wraparound program, we support youth beyond the kitchen - equipping them with real-world access to thrive in culinary careers, alongside tools and resources like financial education courses through @jpmorganchase . From connection comes opportunity - first jobs, first paychecks, and a pathway to education, developing their craft, or pursuing entirely new possibilities. Featured chef trainee, Marie (hosted by @shaws_sf ) alongside our founder, Kate Mery de Bellegarde Photographer | @kimthompsonsteel #socialimpact #youthempowerment #culinaryarts #culinarycareers

In partnership with Foxtail Events and Skylight, our gala this year is bringing together the Bay Area’s boldest female chefs for a night in support of youth rising from hardship into futures in the culinary world. Joined by honorary guests @alicelouisewaters of @chezpanisse , @debbysoo of @opentable , and more inspiring voices. Featured Talent: @lauraozyilmaz @foreigncinemagp @chezpim @azalinaeusope @m_perello Chef Carrie Blease @dsyounkin @oakes_nancy Chef Belinda Leong @shelleylindgren @dzwine More details coming soon. All made possible by our partners: @opentable @teakhaus @teakhaus @strausmilk @guittardchocolate @jpmorganchase It takes a village. Photographer | @kimthompsonsteel #gala #sfevents #galaforgood #womeninfood #culinaryleadership

Moments that matter most in our mentors’ kitchens usually aren’t the planned ones - they’re the quick laughs, the nods of encouragement, and shared focus in the work. This past year @lemonad_media had a knack for catching exactly those. Their work goes beyond documenting our youths’ progress - it reflects the relationships, confidence, and joy that make growth sustainable, and we can’t thank them enough for capturing the spirit of Sprouts so meaningfully. It takes a village. Photographer | @lemonad_media #sfphotographer #culinarystorytelling #mentorshipmatters #futurechefs

Chef Trainee Spotlight: JP! JP has a deep passion for Filipino food, rooted in childhood memories of cooking alongside his grandmother. His connection to food grew stronger 6 years ago when his father became disabled, and he stepped into a larger role at home - using cooking as a way to support his family and show care. Sprouts Chef Training placed JP at @ofenasf , where he quickly impressed the team with his responsibility and willingness to take initiative. Starting with prep tasks like cooling stocks, making butters, and toasting bread, then advancing to the appetizer and cold stations, where he prepared salads, carpaccio, and desserts such as tiramisu, cannoli, and sorbet. Working closely with Chef Paul, Chef Tim, and Audrey, JP built strong connections in the kitchen and gained a clearer understanding of what it takes to succeed in a high-volume restaurant. With their guidance, he grew in confidence and proved to himself that he could meet the demands of the environment. This experience also reinforced JP’s interest in pursuing a culinary career! Looking ahead, JP hopes to base his senior project on cooking by preparing food for a community organization. He also dreams of attending the same college as Chef Paul and eventually owning his own restaurant, inspired by his grandmother who once owned a restaurant in the Philippines. Youth Sponsor | @philspiegel Chef Mentor | @execcheftimh Host Restaurant | @ofenasf Photographer | @lemonad_media #mentorship #culinarytraining #ofena #sfbayarea

Partners like @teakhaus create a ripple of impact that stretches from sustainably managed forests to the hands of our youth and the guests at our events. We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the entire Teakhaus team for continuously supporting Sprouts Chef Training, elevating our events, and generously gifting guests your award-winning cutting boards. We’re honored to have you as part of our village! Photographer | @anniehphotography #culinarytraining #youthempowerment #sustainabledesign #earthday #teakhaus

Some very familiar kitchens were recently featured in @sfchronicle ’s top 100 list! Not just places we admire, but places that show up for aspiring youth across the city with their time, mentorship, and real paths forward through Sprouts Chef Training. A true celebration of their plates - and everything they set in motion beyond them. We’re honored to be in your corner! @californiossf @burdell_oak @hildaandjessesf @saisonsf @sonsanddaughterssf @wolfsbane_sf @atelier.crenn @sirene_oak @dalidasf @magorestaurant @misterjius @azalinas_ #sfchronicle #sfrestaurants #culinarymentorship #foodwithpurpose

A peek into some of our spring cohort’s culinary journeys taking shape! From perfecting tart bases to garnishing octopus dishes, our youth are building real kitchen skills in real time. Through Sprouts, training syncs with the rhythm of service - leading toward job placement and long-term opportunity in the culinary industry. Support Sprouts Chef Training and help more youth step into these pathways. It takes a village. Chef Trainees | DJ, Damien, Ajanay, & Alex Host Restaurants | @hahdough , @terangafoods , @dalidasf , & @thebutchershopbyniku Photographer | @kathrynmacdonaldphoto #youthopportunity #culinarytraining #workforcedevelopment #sanfrancisco

SF Restaurant Week’s in full swing, and we’re spotlighting a few Sprouts partners serving up more than just standout dishes. These restaurants open their kitchens to mentor underserved youth across the city - creating opportunity, building skills, and helping ensure SF’s culinary scene continues to thrive! Endless appreciation for @holbrookhousesf , @foreigncinemasf , and @nopafishmarket Chef Trainees | Shy, Fidel, & Regulus Chef Mentors | @sbculinary , @foreigncinemagp + Chef Eric Gibbs, & @sre70 Youth Sponsors | @jpmorganchase , @impossible , Robert Horrocks + Community Members, & the Miranda Lux Foundation #sfrestaurantweek #futurechefs #youthmentorship #sanfrancisco