CAREER-READY IN WEEKS, NOT YEARS
Culinary Training for Richmond & Northern Virginia.
GO COOK
TRAIN. GET CERTIFIED. CONNECT TO OPPORTUNITY.
Turn Your Talent Into a Culinary Career.
Skip years of classroom lectures. GO Cook is a seven-week, 130+ hour intensive that puts you in a professional kitchen from day one, at our training kitchen at The Kitchens at Reynolds in Richmond’s East End.
Every student gets a job interview, and graduates earn nationally recognized credentials and direct connections to our network of 200+ employer partners. Open to students across Richmond, Henrico, Chesterfield, and Petersburg, and throughout Northern Virginia, from Fairfax and Loudoun to Arlington, Alexandria, and Prince William.
A SMARTER PATH INTO THE KITCHEN
Weeks, Not Years
Traditional culinary school can mean two to four years of lectures and tens of thousands of dollars in loans before you ever work a real line.
GO Cook gets you there in seven weeks, with national credentials and direct employer connections, at a fraction of the cost of traditional culinary school.
GO COOK VS. TRADITIONAL CULINARY SCHOOL
Why Families Choose GO Cook
Career-Ready in 7 Weeks
130+ hours of hands-on training replace years of general education requirements, so students start their careers sooner.
Credentials Employers Trust
Every graduate earns ServSafe and AHLEI Certified Kitchen Cook credentials, proof of skill employers can verify.
Direct Employer Access
Students show off their skills in a live pop-up restaurant and connect directly with our network of 200+ employer partners. Every student gets a job interview.
A Fraction of the Cost
Professional culinary training at a fraction of the cost and time of traditional culinary school. Payment plans and scholarships are available for qualifying students.
For parents: GO Cook is the only culinary workforce training program in Virginia that offers transferable college credit, through our partnership with Reynolds Community College. Choosing a fast track into the kitchen doesn’t mean closing the door on higher education.
Hiring Cooks in Richmond or Northern Virginia?
GO Cook helps Richmond and Northern Virginia restaurants and hospitality employers build a reliable pipeline of trained, certified, workplace-ready cooks.
We Build the Talent. You Build the Team.
WHAT YOU'LL GAIN
Seven Weeks. 130+ Hours. Real Credentials.
We prepare students for the realities of professional kitchens, inside and beyond culinary technique.
Hands-on culinary training
Master essential kitchen techniques, food safety, preparation methods, and professional kitchen operations through real-world training.
Industry-recognized certifications
Every GO Cook graduate earns nationally recognized ServSafe and AHLEI Certified Kitchen Cook credentials, real proof of skill that employers trust from day one.
Employer connections
Show off your skills in a live pop-up restaurant and connect directly with our network of 200+ employer partners. Every student gets a job interview.
Career-ready soft skills
Build the communication, teamwork, leadership, professionalism, and time management skills that set you apart in any kitchen.
Mentorship and continued support
Graduates stay connected to the GO Cook community with ongoing mentorship, job trial placements, and support from CCAB staff as you grow in your new career.
QUESTIONS FROM STUDENTS & PARENTS
Frequently Asked Questions
What does GO Cook cost?
GO Cook’s base program cost is $5,200, a fraction of the cost and time of traditional culinary school, which can take two to four years and tens of thousands of dollars. We offer payment plans and scholarships for qualifying students, so the program is within reach. Reach out to our team to talk through your options.
What makes GO Cook different from a traditional culinary school?
A culinary school prepares you with the tools you’ll need later. GO Cook prepares you for the job you need today. As a workforce training program, every week is built around real kitchen skills, nationally recognized credentials, and direct connections to employers who are hiring right now.
Where will I train?
GO Cook trains at our satellite kitchen at The Kitchens at Reynolds Community College, in Richmond’s East End. Coming from Northern Virginia? Reach out and our team will help you plan for the seven weeks.
Can GO Cook count toward a college degree?
Yes. Through our partnership with Reynolds Community College, GO Cook students can earn transferable credits if they want to pursue higher education. GO Cook is the only culinary workforce training program in Virginia that offers this.
What happens after graduation?
Graduates stay connected to the GO Cook community with ongoing mentorship, job trial placements, and support from CCAB staff as they grow in their new careers.
Do I need kitchen experience?
No. We look for raw passion and a drive to grow, not a perfect resume. If you have the fire to cook and the motivation to learn, you belong at this table.
How long is the program?
GO Cook is a seven-week intensive with more than 130 hours of hands-on training, ending with ServSafe and AHLEI Certified Kitchen Cook credentials.
Your Culinary Career Starts Here
Whether you’re starting fresh or changing careers, GO Cook gives Richmond and Northern Virginia residents the training, credentials, and employer connections to move forward with confidence.
Apply to GO Cook
Fill out the application below to be considered for an upcoming cohort. Questions? Email info@culinaryconceptsab.com or call (434) 218-2637.
Take the Next Step
Every great dish starts with the prep work, and your culinary journey is no different. Whether you are looking to master fundamental kitchen skills, launch a brand new food business, or take an existing brand to the next level, this quick form is the perfect first step toward stepping up to the plate. We’re just gathering a quick snapshot of who you are, your unique goals, and which enrollment period fits your timeline. This step is incredibly important because it lays the foundation for our upcoming 30-minute discovery call, ensuring we can map out exactly how to help you succeed. Tell us a bit about your vision below, and let’s see what we can cook up together!