We Measure Success in Careers.
Since 2018, Culinary Concepts AB has prepared Virginians for meaningful culinary careers, strengthened the teams that employ them, and helped local food businesses grow. This is what that work looks like.
One Graduate. Many Beneficiaries.
When one person gains skills and confidence, the effect reaches well beyond the kitchen: to the employer who hires them, the team that grows with them, and the community they serve.
Careers, Not Just Jobs
Individuals gain certifications, professional skills, and an individualized roadmap that turns a first job into a career pathway.
Stronger Teams
Hospitality employers develop the people they already have and gain access to talent pipelines most operators never reach.
Sustainable Businesses
Food business owners gain the strategy, systems, and capital connections they need to grow with confidence.
Shared Prosperity
Local economies retain skilled workers, and people facing barriers to employment gain a genuine path forward.
Where the Work Happens.
CAREER TRAININGGO Cook
A seven-week culinary training program that combines hands-on kitchen instruction, industry-recognized certifications, and direct introductions to employers. Our support continues well beyond graduation through ongoing mentorship.
REENTRYThe Phoenix Program
Launched in 2019 in partnership with Virginia correctional facilities, the Phoenix Program provides culinary training, life skills, certifications, and employer connections to individuals preparing to return to their communities. It is currently paused for lack of funding, and we are working to bring it back.
ENTREPRENEURS
Entrepreneur Empowerment Program
EEP equips food entrepreneurs with business strategy, operational systems, and strategic connections, including access to capital through our partner, Bridging Virginia. Participants present their businesses to the community at Spark RVA.
YOUTH & COMMUNITYYouth & Community Programs
Since 2019, we have partnered with schools in Charlottesville and Albemarle County, beginning with Elk Hill School, to teach transferable life skills through the culinary arts. Our summer camp introduces young cooks to the kitchen, and our 4Fs series (Farm, Food, Family, Finance) brings families together around the table.
“Transformations in our programs usually begin with someone believing there is more to your story than your present circumstances.”
From Clint’s story on the CCAB Blog
“There is a lot that goes into running a restaurant… I mean an extreme amount that I wouldn’t have even known if I didn’t take this class.”
“Culinary Concepts AB sends us cooks who arrive prepared: certified, coachable, and ready to work a real line. More important, they bring the professionalism to grow with our team.”
Trusted Across Virginia Hospitality.
Our graduates and partner teams work across every corner of the industry, from private clubs to high-volume dining.
Built One Cohort at a Time.
Culinary Concepts AB begins workforce training in Charlottesville.
The Phoenix Program launches, and our first school partnership begins with Elk Hill School.
The Entrepreneur Empowerment Program launches, and CCAB becomes a Virginia Career Works approved training provider.
Our Richmond kitchen opens at The Kitchens at Reynolds.
We publish our first Culinary Workforce Report. To date, 236+ students have trained with us across 30+ graduated cohorts, and our programs now reach communities across Virginia.
Expanding our partnerships across the Northeast region.
Rooted in Virginia. Recognized Worldwide.
Our work begins in three Virginia locations, but our model, our voice, and our graduates now reach audiences across the country and around the world.
across the Commonwealth
throughout Virginia
where our work has made an impact
where our model has reached beyond U.S. borders
The Kitchen’s Side of the Workforce Story.
The Culinary Workforce Report 2026 puts numbers behind what the back of house has known for years and charts a path toward stability for the people who run our kitchens.
Be Part of What Comes Next.
Strengthen Your Team
Develop the people you have and connect with prepared talent from pipelines you may not yet reach.
Talk to Our TeamInvest in the Workforce
Sponsor a cohort, fund scholarships, or bring a custom training program to your community.
Start a ConversationStart Your Career
Seven weeks of hands-on training, two certifications, and a guaranteed interview with an employer partner.
Explore GO Cook