Sprouts Chef Training

Moments that matter most in our mentors’ kitchens usually aren’t the planned ones - they’re the quick laughs, the nods of encouragement, and shared focus in the work.

This past year had a knack for catching exactly those.

Their work goes beyond documenting our youths’ progress - it reflects the relationships, confidence, and joy that make growth sustainable, and we can’t thank them enough for capturing the spirit of Sprouts so meaningfully.

It takes a village.

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Chef Trainee Spotlight: JP!

JP has a deep passion for Filipino food, rooted in childhood memories of cooking alongside his grandmother. His connection to food grew stronger 6 years ago when his father became disabled, and he stepped into a larger role at home - using cooking as a way to support his family and show care.

Sprouts Chef Training placed JP at , where he quickly impressed the team with his responsibility and willingness to take initiative. Starting with prep tasks like cooling stocks, making butters, and toasting bread, then advancing to the appetizer and cold stations, where he prepared salads, carpaccio, and desserts such as tiramisu, cannoli, and sorbet.

Working closely with Chef Paul, Chef Tim, and Audrey, JP built strong connections in the kitchen and gained a clearer understanding of what it takes to succeed in a high-volume restaurant. With their guidance, he grew in confidence and proved to himself that he could meet the demands of the environment. This experience also reinforced JP’s interest in pursuing a culinary career!

Looking ahead, JP hopes to base his senior project on cooking by preparing food for a community organization. He also dreams of attending the same college as Chef Paul and eventually owning his own restaurant, inspired by his grandmother who once owned a restaurant in the Philippines.

Youth Sponsor |
Chef Mentor |
Host Restaurant |

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Partners like create a ripple of impact that stretches from sustainably managed forests to the hands of our youth and the guests at our events.

We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the entire Teakhaus team for continuously supporting Sprouts Chef Training, elevating our events, and generously gifting guests your award-winning cutting boards.

We’re honored to have you as part of our village!

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Some very familiar kitchens were recently featured in ’s top 100 list!

Not just places we admire, but places that show up for aspiring youth across the city with their time, mentorship, and real paths forward through Sprouts Chef Training.

A true celebration of their plates - and everything they set in motion beyond them. We’re honored to be in your corner!







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A peek into some of our spring cohort’s culinary journeys taking shape!

From perfecting tart bases to garnishing octopus dishes, our youth are building real kitchen skills in real time.

Through Sprouts, training syncs with the rhythm of service - leading toward job placement and long-term opportunity in the culinary industry.

Support Sprouts Chef Training and help more youth step into these pathways.

It takes a village.

Chef Trainees | DJ, Damien, Ajanay, & Alex
Host Restaurants | , , , &

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SF Restaurant Week’s in full swing, and we’re spotlighting a few Sprouts partners serving up more than just standout dishes.

These restaurants open their kitchens to mentor underserved youth across the city - creating opportunity, building skills, and helping ensure SF’s culinary scene continues to thrive!

Endless appreciation for , , and

Chef Trainees | Shy, Fidel, & Regulus
Chef Mentors | , + Chef Eric Gibbs, &
Youth Sponsors | , , Robert Horrocks + Community Members, & the Miranda Lux Foundation

A night in SF that proves some things are better together.

Last month, in partnership with the , Sprouts took over for an evening that was equal parts inspiring and impactful.

From every laugh to the moments that sparked new possibilities, this night reminded us why we do what we do: creating real opportunities, building meaningful connections, and showing youth what’s possible in the culinary world.

A huge thank you to the , , Chefs and of , our in-kind partners and , and everyone who showed up for a shared mission.

It takes a village.

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Spoonfuls of gratitude to Straus Family Creamery!

This panna cotta crafted from Straus Creamery’s yogurt and brown butter granola made its debut at our event last month, each layer woven with so much generosity - made even more meaningful by a partnership over a decade strong.

We’re beyond grateful for partners who nourish our mission - in action and in spirit.

More moments from our ggrasf x epicsteak event coming soon!

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A big congrats to our Chef partner on his James Beard Award nomination for Outstanding Restaurateur! 

Having Chef Sri join Sprouts Chef Training at our Taste of Asia Gala at and pop-up dinner series has been a true honor. We’ve seen firsthand how his generosity and heart make every experience memorable and a true celebration of community, passion, and incredible cuisine.

We’re thrilled to cheer Chef Sri on for this well-deserved recognition!

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Celebrating the heart of the city that serves so many!

Our mission to help opportunity youth step into meaningful culinary careers is powered by something bigger than us - it’s fueled by community. For 20 years, Sprouts Chef Training has connected aspiring youth to culinary careers in San Francisco kitchens with the support of 120+ incredible restaurant partners and referral programs.

In partnership with workforce development organizations, we’re able to empower youth with resources for job training and career growth. From our current partners to the relationships still waiting to be built, this work is always a collective effort.

We’re endlessly grateful for the support, belief, and collaboration that continue to grow around us and are inspired every day to keep uplifting the resilience of San Francisco.

Our newest chef mentor, James Beard–nominated of , is hosting an unforgettable evening with wines - and YOU’RE invited.

April 9, 5:00–8:30 PM PT at Azalina’s, SF | Tickets available via link in our bio!

Guests will enjoy a five-course seasonal tasting menu, thoughtfully paired with a Robert Sinskey Vineyards RSV Napa wine flight.

Experience the best of SF - and support a chef shaping its future through Sprouts Chef Training.

On April 18th, is generously donating a portion of their Onyx collection sales towards Sprouts Chef Training!

Shop their beautifully crafted ceramics - and do a little good with every dish. Creating pathways into the culinary world for underserved youth.

Saturday, April 18th 10am - 3pm
MMClay | 69 Gough SF, CA

Jobs change lives. Kitchens heal. It takes a village.

Featured Chef Trainee | Juno
Featured Chef Mentor | of