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NRAEF

@nraefoundation

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Fueling opportunity. Launching careers. The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation is the philanthropic foundation of @werrestaurants.

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2 days ago

CHICAGO IS CALLING! 🏙️✈️👨‍🍳

Applications for the @nraefoundation JumpStart Grant are officially OPEN!

We’re giving ONE ProStart school the chance of a lifetime: an all-expenses-paid trip for up to 8 students and 2 chaperones to attend the @nationalrestaurantshow in Chicago (May 22–25, 2027)! 🌟

From exploring incredible food exhibits to connecting directly with top industry leaders, this 4-day experience is designed to launch student careers to the next level.

Tap the link in our bio to submit your application and show us why your school deserves to win! Two individuals in dark uniforms with lanyards stand in front of a backdrop featuring cityscape graphics. The text reads "ProStart JumpStart," "NOW OPEN," and "2027 JumpStart Applications. by @nraefoundation

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5 days ago

Restaurants do more than serve meals. They help people build skills, gain confidence, and grow their careers.

In fact, 86% of current employees say the restaurant and foodservice industry provides good long-term career opportunities.

What skill did you take with you from your restaurant experience?

Learn more in our latest report at the link in bio. by @nraefoundation

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5 days ago

At Restaurant Academy in Washington, D.C., hosted by American Express and Resy in partnership with the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF), acclaimed industry leaders Mashama Bailey, Nok Suntaranon, Gregory Gourdet and Victoria James shared lessons and insights from their own journeys.

From leading with intention and investing in people to navigating the business of hospitality, they offered practical perspectives on building strong teams, creating opportunities for growth and leading restaurants for the future.

Because sometimes the right advice can put new possibilities on the menu. Watch a few highlights from the conversations. by @nraefoundation

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6 days ago

From restaurant dishwasher to culinary legend.

A huge congratulations to NRAEF Trustee Emeritus Dr. Tim Ryan on being honored by @chefstableofficial: Honors for his lifetime of shaping the culinary world!

Selected by Chef Thomas Keller, Dr. Ryan’s career path is a shining example of where passion and hard work in this industry can lead—from starting at the dish pit to becoming the longest-serving president of @theculinaryinstituteofamerica. 👨‍🍳

Thank you, Dr. Ryan, for your endless dedication to empowering future chefs and guiding the next generation of hospitality leaders!

Watch the full ceremony when Chef's Table: Honors premieres 10/15 on the official Chef's Table YouTube! 📺 by @nraefoundation

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6 days ago

Connecting communities to opportunity. 🏛️✨

Partnership is at the heart of everything we do! We were honored to host the team from @prlaorg and their amazing community partners in Washington, D.C., for the annual NRAEF Hospitality Pathways Conference.

With over 200 workforce leaders under one roof, we spent the conference exchanging ideas to expand training, employment, and career advancement across the hospitality sector.

A huge congratulations to PRLAEF on receiving a State Restaurant Association Spirit Award for their exceptional impact supporting Pennsylvania participants through HOPES and Restaurant Ready! 👏 by @nraefoundation

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9 days ago

Proof that restaurant jobs build real-world careers. 📊

From mastering teamwork under pressure to developing business management skills, a restaurant job is often the start of something much bigger.

Our Made in Restaurants: Industry Careers in America report validates what we’ve known all along: investing in structured workforce development programs like the NRAEF’s changes lives, builds confidence, and opens doors to long-term success.

Click the link in our bio to download the report and hear directly from restaurant employees about how their on-the-job experiences shaped their professional journeys! A person in a kitchen pours liquid from a ladle into a pan with flames visible. The image promotes a report by the National Restaurant Association titled "Made in Restaurants: Industry Careers in America," highlighting how restaurants build skills, shape leaders, and create opportunity. by @nraefoundation

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10 days ago

Hands-on experience right in their own backyard! 🍎👩‍🍳

Salmen High @prostartprogram students are taking their culinary training to the next level by stepping into the kitchen alongside their school's talented cafeteria professionals!

By bridging classroom learning with real-world, high-volume food service, these students are mastering speed, teamwork, kitchen safety, and prep skills—building a solid foundation for their future hospitality and culinary careers.

@stppschools A group of five people in a kitchen setting, wearing uniforms with "Baker Buffalo" written on them. They are standing close together, smiling at the camera. by @nraefoundation

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12 days ago

Unlocking potential and building futures!

Lessons were learned, powerful connections were made, and big career goals were set!
We are so proud of every participant who took part in last week's program.

We are immensely grateful for our partnership with @americanexpress and @resy.
Because of their support, restaurant professionals are stepping into the future with the
skills, confidence, and tools they need to thrive. by @nraefoundation

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13 days ago

Equipping educators, empowering students. 📚🍳

We are so proud to celebrate the incredible South Carolina ProStart leadership team and educators following their multi-day leadership training in Florence, SC!

From a celebratory evening featuring local BBQ to a full day of professional development, SC ProStart instructors gathered to share best practices, review program benchmarks, and hear directly from key partners.

South Carolina educators were recognized for achieving the highest number to date of ServSafe Manager & Foodhandler Certificates, alongside ProStart Certificates of Achievement earned by their students! 🏆

Thank you to the dedicated South Carolina instructors and community partners for your unwavering commitment to preparing the next generation of hospitality leaders! by @nraefoundation

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17 days ago

A restaurant job can be much more than a paycheck.

It's often where people learn teamwork, communication, leadership, and responsibility. The skills gained in restaurants stay with people long after they leave the industry.

That's why 82% of restaurant employees believe restaurant jobs prepare people for success in whatever careers they pursue.

#MadeInRestaurants by @nraefoundation

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18 days ago

Celebrating dedicated leadership in workforce development! 🌟✨

We are thrilled to celebrate Chef Mogs from @rootnorthshore, who was honored with the Restaurant Ready Radiance Award at our annual Hospitality Pathways Conference! 🏆

Dedicated instructors like Chef Mogs bring passion, mentorship, and real-world skills to the kitchen every single day—helping young adults build confidence and clear pathways toward lifelong careers.

Through Root’s culinary training program, graduates earn six Restaurant Ready core competency certificates alongside their ServSafe Food Handler and Allergen Awareness credentials. by @nraefoundation

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19 days ago