Restaurant Ready: Building Pathways of Opportunity
Restaurant Ready is a national program that empowers individuals
with the job and life skills necessary to pursue a career in the
restaurant and hospitality industry.
The program was launched in 2016 and was originally focused on serving the nation’s opportunity youth: individuals between the ages of 16 and 24 who are not in school and/or employed. Since its launch, the curriculum has been effectively used with entry-level employees of all ages and from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences. Working with local community-based organizations, the NRAEF currently operates Restaurant Ready programs in locations across the country.
How it Works
- Partner community-based organizations provide training in six work-ready competency areas defined by the restaurant industry.
- The competencies are designed to help participants acquire the skills, discipline and confidence to start a job and stay employed.
- The community-based organizations link individuals to local employers and provide wraparound services to eliminate any barriers to success.
Program Goals
- Establish a national standard and assessment for job-readiness skills.
- Highlight the hospitality industry as an opportunity-rich place for first jobs, and as a model of employment, development and advancement.
- Foster collaboration between community organizations, state restaurant associations, industry
partners, and employers. - Provide additional resources and opportunity for people who are out of school, unemployed, or underemployed.
Program Benefits
- INDIVIDUALS: Training, supports, industry connections, and
employment opportunities - COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATIONS: Industry-informed
framework and curriculum, 35-state network, and industry connections - STATE RESTAURANT ASSOCIATIONS AND INDUSTRY: Access to
untapped talent, training and resources for new and incumbent staff
“Restaurant Ready was a game changer for me. It gave me the skills, confidence, and opportunity to pursue my dreams.”
– Kevin, Cafe Reconcile, LA
Download Restaurant Ready info sheet.
Current Restaurant Ready Programs in New York
Capital Region
The SEAT Center, Schenectady
New York City
The Odyssey House/ Edgecombe (in Partnership with the Reform Alliance)
How to Get Involved
Please reach out to Elizabeth Soscia Fordley at elizabeths@nysra.org for more information.