Press Release: Serving Up Success with GO Cook

Press Release

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Serving Up Success with GO Cook

Culinary Career Ecosystem for Virginia’s Justice-Impacted Youth

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Richmond, VA — May 5, 2026 —  A powerhouse coalition of culinary, workforce, and industry leaders today announced the launch of Serving Up Success, a culinary career ecosystem designed to reclaim the futures of justice-impacted and “opportunity youth” ages 18–24. 

The initiative launches at a critical moment for the Commonwealth, aligning with Governor Abigail Spanberger’s commitment to economic stability and job growth. As the Governor marks her first 100 days by prioritizing her “Affordable Virginia” agenda, Serving Up Success directly supports these statewide efforts by creating a growth-oriented pipeline that transforms untapped potential into elite professionals for Virginia’s hospitality industry.

Moving beyond the limitations of traditional re-entry, this initiative establishes a growth-oriented pipeline that transforms untapped potential into the heartbeat of elite professionals in Virginia’s hospitality industry.

The Ecosystem: One Heart, Many Hands

“Serving Up Success” is a specialized ecosystem designed to bridge the gap between young adults navigating the challenges of re-entry and an industry in search of resilient, elite talent. This model is anchored by:

  • Youth Engagement & Advocacy: Richmond Educational Community Services (RECS):  RECS serves as the vital link to the community, identifying and engaging youth in most need of this program. By focusing on the ambitions of justice-involved youth, RECS provides hands-on advocacy and tailored professional development to ensure a true pipeline to living-wage employment.

  • Workforce Training: Culinary Concepts AB (CCAB):  As the core engine of the initiative, CCAB provides the “GO Cook” curriculum. This program serves as the heart of the ecosystem—integrating intensive technical training with a deep focus on soft skills, emotional intelligence, and occupational readiness. CCAB acts as the primary connector, matching graduates directly with high-quality employers for immediate career placement.

  • Ecosystem Coordination: VRLTA: The Virginia Restaurant, Lodging & Travel Association (VRLTA) serves as the lead coordinator, aligning the pilot with industry standards and facilitating a network of Registered Apprenticeship sites for graduates to continue their professional ascent.

  • Convener and Resource Support: Virginia Career Works Capital Region: Virginia Career Works Capital Region is a business-led board that connects workforce talent with business opportunities. In addition to setting the table for this effort, the Board’s funding provides the critical infrastructure through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). By funding the Paid Work Experience (WEX) and offering intensive wrap-around supportive services, VCW’s Career Advantage program will ensure that participants have the stability needed to complete their training.

High-Performance Results: A Model for Economic Mobility

The pilot cohort, launching May 5, introduces a disruptive training model designed for immediate impact, echoing the state’s momentum for Fair Chance hiring and complementing new resources like the VirginiaHasJobs.com/FairChance portal.

  • Driving Affordability: In alignment with Governor Spanberger’s goal to make the Commonwealth more affordable for families, participants earn $18.00 per hour during the training phase. This ensures that financial barriers do not prevent talent from entering the program.

  • Risk-Free Talent Trial: The ecosystem funds the first 150 hours of work experience, allowing employers to evaluate and mentor potential permanent hires without initial payroll costs—supporting the administration’s focus on bipartisan business wins.

  • Statewide Connectivity: Graduates will have direct access to the state’s new VirginiaHasJobs.com/FairChance microsite, a launchpad designed by Virginia Works and the VADOC to connect justice-impacted jobseekers with Fair Chance employers.

  • Certifications for Life: Graduates walk away with national ServSafe and Certified Cook credentials, providing them with portable, high-value assets in the global labor market.

A Legacy of Transformation

The “GO Cook” curriculum is the direct evolution of the award-winning Phoenix Program, which achieved a 92% job placement rate within state correctional facilities. Today, we have transformed that methodology into a community-based ecosystem that bridges the gap between youth services and sustainable employment.

Strategic Success Benchmarks

The “Serving Up Success” pilot is built on accountability, with rigorous Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

  • 100% of participants connected directly to job interviews and professional networking.

  • 80% training completion rate.

  • 70%+ placement into permanent employment or Registered Apprenticeship roles.

At Culinary Concepts AB, we believe the kitchen is more than a place to cook—it is a place to grow.

About the Partners

Richmond Educational Community Services (RECS) is changing the narrative for formerly incarcerated youth. By focusing on the ambitions of youth who may not have had the chance to explore their potential, RECS engages justice-involved individuals ages 15-18 to achieve educational goals, prepare for employment, and connect with postsecondary career planning. Through holistically mentoring and hands-on advocacy, RECS provides an overlooked population with a true pipeline to living-wage employment and self-sufficiency. 

Culinary Concepts AB (CCAB) is a premier workforce development organization dedicated to changing the narrative for individuals coming out of incarceration—equipping them with both technical skills and a professional mindset. By turning the kitchen into a space for personal and economic growth, CCAB helps its students build stable futures while providing the hospitality industry with a pipeline of resilient, highly skilled leaders.

Virginia Restaurant, Lodging & Travel Association (VRLTA) is the unified voice of Virginia’s hospitality and tourism industry. Representing more than 1,500 member organizations, VRLTA is a powerhouse of advocacy, education, and industry growth. As the lead coordinator for this ecosystem, VRLTA bridges the gap between workforce development and private enterprise, ensuring that training programs meet high-performance standards.

Virginia Career Works (VCW) serves as the structural backbone of regional economic stability, connecting residents to high-demand career pathways. By managing federal WIOA Title I resources, VCW provides the essential funding and intensive supportive services—ranging from professional tools to emergency housing assistance—that empower opportunity populations to achieve long-term self-sufficiency.

Media Contact:

Diana Manzano

Executive Assistant, Culinary Concepts AB

(434) 218-2637

diana@culinaryconceptsab.com

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