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inspiration kitchens

Inspiration Kitchens is a food service training program providing skill-specific job training and employment placement in an atmosphere of dignity and respect to people facing barriers to self-sufficiency.

The 13-week training program prepares participants for careers in the hospitality industry through hands-on and classroom training. Curriculum includes basic culinary skills and concepts, reading and converting recipes, nutrition education, following and taking direction, teamwork, sanitation and safety, restaurant service, employment and life skills classes, and the ServSafe® city and state foodservice sanitation course.

Students get hands-on experience by training at one of our two social enterprise restaurants: Inspiration Kitchens – Uptown at 4715 N. Sheridan Road or Inspiration Kitchens–Garfield Park at 3504 W. Lake Street. There, they work lunch, brunch and dinner shifts and learn a broad range of skills. The internship gives students real-life work experience and a reference for future employers. Once placed into employment, graduates are eligible for indefinite supportive services to ensure job retention and promote career advancement.

The first step to enrolling in the program is to attend an open orientation.  Orientations are held every Wednesday at 1:00PM at Inspiration Cafe, 4554 N. Broadway.

The Inspiration Kitchens program received the United Way of Metropolitan Chicago's Highly Innovative Program Award in 2005 and the Harry Chapin Foundation's Self-Reliance Award in 2007.

Find More Information

If you are interested in finding out more information on Inspiration Kitchens, including information on catering or restaurant hours, menus and location, please visit the Inspiration Kitchens website.