The city is serving up a new push to help young adults who aren’t working or in school land jobs in city kitchens for Restaurant Week.
The program will give up to 50 trainees hands-on experience in some of the city’s hottest restaurants, like Eataly and Momofuku, getting them ready for entry-level jobs in the restaurant industry.
The three-month, paid training program is geared to people ages 18 to 24 who neither have jobs nor are attending school.
“Thanks to leaders in the restaurant industry, we are allowing young individuals who find themselves out of school and out of work to gain the skills and experience needed to begin a successful career in the culinary field,” said Mayor de Blasio, who is rolling out the effort to mark Restaurant Week, when some of the city’s toniest restaurants offer three course meals for a set price.
They’ll get a week of classroom training on basic job skills like how to interact with bosses and guests, and then get placed at one of the local restaurants that are working with the Department of Small Business Services.
Other spots putting the young adults to work include chef Mario Batali’s Batali & Bastianich Hospitality Group, Le Pain Quotidien, and Union Square Hospitality restaurants including Union Square Cafe, Gramercy Tavern and The Modern.
“This is … a win-win for young entry-level culinary professionals and our industry. It is also a win for New York City,” said Ahmass Fakahany, owner of Altamarea Group, which is also participating at restaurants like Ai Fiori and Marea.
“It takes time, resources and heart to do this.”
