The goal of SAME Cafe’s ​Cook to Work​ program is to prepare students for work-readiness & gainful employment, focusing on basic culinary skills that will prepare the student for an entry level position in the restaurant or in a commercial kitchen. In addition, students will learn the importance of appropriate work behaviors, writing resumes, interviewing techniques and time management. Our drop-in program moves at the pace of the student, does not have a time limit for completion, is provided at no charge to the student, and designed to assist our students with barriers that would prevent them from achieving success while enrolled.

Key components of the ​Cook to Work​ program include:

  •  Pre- and post-training evaluations

  • 6 module levels, each building on the previous module.

  • Scheduled shifts available 9am-3:30pm & drop in shifts are available 11am-2:00pm Monday- Friday.

  • Verification of skill assessment via a checklist system

  • Culinary and soft skill instruction

  • ServSafe Certification (once all levels of the curriculum have been completed)

  • Certificate of program completion

  • Assistance with job search & professional reference from the Café for those who have successfully completed the program

  • Follow up services and continuing education for those who have completed the program

  • Earn free lunch tokens with the completion of each module, in addition to receiving a meal when you drop in for cook to work instruction

The ​Cook to Work ​curriculum will cover:

  • Module 1: Orientation/Kitchen Basics: introduction to each station in the kitchen and basic food safety training 

  • Module 2: Knife Skills and Prep: training on various knife cuts and the basics of building a menu

  • Module 3: Baking: includes making bread doughs and cookies

  • Module 4: Plating and Pizza Station: focused on the hub of operations for daily service, making and baking pizzas, as well as proper plating and presentation of food.

  • Module 5: Dishwashing Station: training on the proper setup, break down, and operation of the dish station

  • Module 6: Front of House: training in trauma informed care, deescalation, communication of mission to new guests, and hospitality

The program happens at SAME Café Toledo - 325 N Michigan Street. Lunch is provided.