Cook to Work culinary training
Build Skills. Gain Confidence. Create Opportunity.
Free, flexible culinary training at SAME Café.
Interested in working in a restaurant or commercial kitchen? SAME Café's Cook to Work program helps participants build practical culinary skills, develop workplace confidence, and prepare for employment in the food service industry.
Through hands-on training alongside SAME's culinary team, participants gain real-world experience in a working café while learning the technical and interpersonal skills employers value.
No tuition. No rigid timeline. No previous culinary experience required.
A Training Program That Meets You Where You Are
Cook to Work recognizes that everyone's path to employment looks different. Our flexible, drop-in program allows participants to progress at their own pace, with no set deadline for completion.
Training is offered at no cost, with individualized support to help participants navigate barriers, build confidence, and achieve their goals.
Participants receive a nutritious meal during each training shift and earn additional SAME Café meal coins as they complete program modules.
What You'll Learn
Cook to Work features six progressive training modules designed to develop practical skills across kitchen operations and guest service.
Module 1 | Kitchen Orientation & Food Safety
Learn the fundamentals of working in a commercial kitchen, including sanitation, food safety, equipment, and kitchen organization.
Module 2 | Knife Skills & Food Preparation
Practice essential knife techniques, ingredient preparation, recipe execution, and the fundamentals of building a menu.
Module 3 | Baking & Pastry Basics
Develop foundational baking skills through hands-on preparation of breads, cookies, and other café favorites.
Module 4 | Pizza, Plating & Service
Learn pizza preparation, baking, food presentation, and the coordination required to deliver quality meals during café service.
Module 5 | Dishwashing & Kitchen Operations
Build essential skills in dish station setup, safe sanitation procedures, equipment operation, and maintaining an organized kitchen.
Module 6 | Hospitality & Front of House
Develop guest service, communication, teamwork, conflict de-escalation, and trauma-informed hospitality skills in a welcoming community environment.
Beyond the Kitchen: Preparing for Employment
Cook to Work is about more than learning to cook. Participants also develop the professional skills needed to succeed in the workplace, including:
Time management, teamwork, and professional communication
Résumé development and interview preparation
Workplace expectations and job-readiness skills
Skill assessments and individualized feedback
Support with job searches and employment opportunities
Participants who successfully complete the program receive a Certificate of Completion, access to ServSafe certification training, and may qualify for a professional reference from SAME Café. Follow-up support and continuing education opportunities help graduates take their next steps toward employment.
Training Schedule & Location
Where: SAME Café, 2023 E Colfax Ave., Denver, CO 80206
When: Monday–Friday
Scheduled training shifts: 9:00 AM–3:30 PM
Drop-in training: 11:00 AM–2:30 PM
Cost: Completely free
Meals: Lunch provided during training
Participants can move through the six modules at their own pace, making Cook to Work accessible to people balancing other responsibilities.
Ready to Get Started?
Whether you're exploring a career in food service, returning to the workforce, or simply ready to develop new skills, Cook to Work offers a supportive place to begin.
Take the first step toward your culinary future!
Email cooktowork@soallmayeat.org to learn more, ask questions, or schedule your first training shift.
No prior experience necessary. All skill levels are welcome.
At SAME Café, everyone has something to contribute, and everyone deserves an opportunity to thrive.