FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Culinary Concepts AB and Reynolds Community College Partner To Launch Workforce-Focused “GO Cook” Program in Richmond
RICHMOND, VA – April 15, 2025 – Culinary Concepts AB has announced a new partnership with Reynolds Community College to launch the “GO Cook” program in Richmond this spring. The program—Growth Opportunity for Cooks—will provide hands-on culinary training and soft skills development to individuals seeking entry into the culinary and hospitality workforce.
Building on a proven track record of over 20 successful cohorts and more than 80 graduates, this expansion into the Richmond region signifies a major milestone for the GO Cook program. It underscores our deepening commitment to collaborative workforce development, forging powerful alliances between industry professionals and educational institutions to cultivate the next generation of culinary talent.
Created by Chef Antwon Brinson, Go Cook is designed to prepare participants for employment through a combination of technical training, industry-recognized certifications, and life skills education. By partnering with Reynolds Community College and its Kitchens at Reynolds campus, the program will offer students the opportunity to earn transferable college credit while completing a short-term, skills-based curriculum.
“This partnership with The Kitchens at Reynolds is a significant step in our mission to empower individuals with valuable culinary and life skills,” said Chef Antwon Brinson, founder of Culinary Concepts AB. “By embedding the Go Cook program within a community college framework, we’re providing students with meaningful career pathways and future academic opportunities.”
The first Richmond-based cohort of Go Cook will begin in mid-May at the Kitchens at Reynolds, located at 2500 Nine Mile Road. The seven-week program includes:
- Practical culinary instruction in core techniques and kitchen operations
- Soft skills development, including communication, professionalism, and time management
- ServSafe and AHLEI Certified Cook credential preparation
- Job Trails, a hands-on externship with local culinary businesses
- A capstone pop-up dinner and formal graduation ceremony
“We are pleased to collaborate with Culinary Concepts AB to offer a program that directly aligns with our commitment to work-based learning,” said Dr. Stacie Davis, Dean of the School of Business and Industrial Trades at Reynolds. “Go Cook provides both immediate employment opportunities and longer-term career development for our students.”
The program is open to individuals aged 18 and over. No prior culinary experience is required. Applications are now being accepted through www.culinaryconceptsab.com. Employers interested in participating in the Job Trails component are encouraged to contact Culinary Concepts AB directly.
This partnership aims to address workforce gaps in the culinary and hospitality sectors while increasing access to training for underserved populations. By combining the resources of a higher education institution with a proven workforce training model, Go Cook offers a replicable blueprint for community-based workforce development.
About Culinary Concepts AB
Culinary Concepts AB is a workforce training organization based in Virginia. Founded by Chef Antwon Brinson, the organization focuses on providing individuals with career-oriented training in culinary arts, life skills, and occupational readiness.
About Reynolds Community College
Reynolds Community College is a public institution serving the Greater Richmond region. With multiple campuses and a wide range of programs, the college provides accessible educational and workforce training opportunities for students of all backgrounds.
Media Contact:
Diana Manzano
Executive Assistant, Culinary Concepts AB
(434) 218-2637
diana@culinaryconceptsab.com