Introducing
Food Jobs Work
Food Jobs Work, Inc. is a culinary workforce development organization, changing the lives of underemployed Arkansans through culinary workforce training. Our students have experienced challenges such as justice involvement, poverty, homelessness, addiction or abuse. Since 2017, Food Jobs Work has graduated 100 students from our adult training program, closing the workforce participation gap and often opening doors to high-paying leadership positions.
Our innovative 12-week adult culinary workforce program immerses adults from all backgrounds into the culinary arts, blended with an intensive life skills curriculum that works to chip away any behaviors or beliefs holding them back. The course includes knife skills, sanitation, food production and catering skills, as well as certifications in food safety and customer service. A notable new addition is the “Restaurant Ready” credential by the National Restaurant Association Education Foundation. We currently have cohorts in Little Rock and Pine Bluff, Arkansas.
Through our social enterprise program, Comeback Kitchen, we offer catering and contract/hunger relief meal production. This social enterprise offers our students practical experience while supporting the operations of the nonprofit and helping the community.
Coming in 2026: Department of Labor approved apprenticeship programs, beginning with a Restaurant Line Cook focus. Soon after, we will add apprenticeships for Kitchen Manager and Restaurant Manager, creating pathways for community professionals—including our own graduates—who want to move into management.
Changing Lives and Empowering Individuals
Our impactful 12-week program doesn’t just prepare our students for a job—it changes their lives. Graduates tell us they feel more empowered, able to work independently, and ready to lead others when called upon for a promotion.
Comeback Kitchen
Catering
Our students get hands-on training in our social enterprise kitchen and catering operation, Comeback Kitchen. Alongside our experienced professional chefs, students help produce catering options from boxed lunches to fine dining events. Inquire here!
Growing Arkansas’ Economy
Hospitality is the state’s second-largest industry and a major element of economic development. Our program helps bolster this critical industry while closing the labor participation gap and fostering connections to local agriculture, logistics, and tech industries.
Don’t just get catering anywhere—make an impact
Comeback Kitchen Catering
Our students and staff operate Comeback Kitchen, a full-service catering provider, offering meaningful meals for your workplace or event.
Menu Options include:
- Boxed Lunches
- Buffet Menus
- Charcuterie Cups, Boards, or Tables
- Plated Meals for 3 to 300
- Custom Event Menus
CUSTOMIZED MEAL Contracts Available
Need regular meal deliveries for your organization or business?
We can provide hot, cold, or frozen sealed meals for high volume applications. Reach out for a custom quote.
share your knowledge, gain trained staff
Become an Employer Partner
Give back to the community in a meaningful way, with the opportunity to add trained talent to your own professional team. Join our Professional Advisory Council or become a Preferred Employer.
professional advisory council
This group of local professionals volunteers their time in our program and helps us determine industry needs for our curriculum. Come speak in a class, host a site visit for our students, or participate in our student cooking competitions.
Preferred Employers
Professional Advisory Council members who meet certain criteria (see at right) get early consideration as employers for our students upon graduation for placement as interns, employees, or apprentices.
criteria for preferred employers:
Not required to meet all criteria, but at least 6 of 8 should be met
- Engagement with Food Jobs Work (volunteering, etc.)
- History of employing Food Jobs Work grads
- Willingness to provide feedback
- Multiple locations
- Opportunities for advancement
- Low-barrier application process (short applications, no long surveys)
- Starting wage of at least $14/hr
- No background check
Buy Your Tickets Today!
Training and Certifications Offered
Our innovative culinary workforce programs can get you on the path to success
“Restaurant Ready” Industry-Recognized Credential by the National Restaurant Association
Early 2026:
Apprenticeships for
*Line Cook*
*Kitchen Manager*
*General Manager*
NOCTI Microcredentials in Agriculture, Logistics, Warehousing and More
ServSafe Food Handler and Food Protection Manager Industry-Recognized Credentials
coming soon:
Community Education Classes
Learn culinary skills to impress friends and family in just one evening with our professional chefs.
Contact Us
let us know how we can work together
Prospective students: Please use the Student Interest & Registration Form