No More Thankless Kitchen Labor: Launching Your Culinary Career
by Debbie Wilson
Career School Directory Columnist
May 02, 2008
Have you considered a career in culinary arts? According to Leslie Carol Franchetti, one "small gone big" restaurateur, attending culinary school can be more exciting and worthwhile than you think. Read on to find out how.
CSD: How did you first get started?
For me, it all began with my roots. My father was the owner and operator of a small diner in Northern California.
Did you know? Most culinary schools can offer you a degree that you can quickly put to work in 20 months or less. Start your career training.
CSD: Where did you go from there?
I opened a small, one-room café that served only breakfast. My three-item menu eventually evolved into breakfast, lunch, and dinner. However, I still had no formal training in either the culinary arts or business.
CSD: Was that when you decided to attend culinary school?
Yes, because I was losing money and felt restricted by my menu options. I researched various culinary schools and decided to attend a well-known culinary academy close to home.
CSD: Did you know how much this culinary arts degree would help advance your career?
At the time, I really had no idea; however, I was hoping that I could gain some valuable experience, both in culinary arts and business, as well as menu innovation and customer relations. Today I profitably serve 400-plus customers a day.
Did you know? Attending a culinary school is an excellent way to enhance your career and increase your marketability. Browse schools.
CSD: What is your typical day like?
I usually start my day at 5 a.m. I spend a great deal of my day behind the scenes, cooking and prepping and the rest of my time ordering, paying bills, preparing menus, and running personnel and financials. Attending culinary school has helped me learn how to run my business more efficiently and increase profit.
CSD: Do you have any advice for prospective culinary students?
The best piece of advice I can give is to start with something you love. Find a culinary school that fulfills your passion and learn all you can before you launch into your career. Attending a quality culinary school can really give you the education you'll need to be successful. People always ask me when I'm going to retire, but I don't think it will ever happen. I love to cook way too much!
Learn more about Culinary Degrees and Programs.
About the Author
Debbie Wilson operates a lakeside resort. Her previous experience includes profitability consulting for a national healthcare company. Debbie holds a B.A. in Business Management.
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