State Restaurant and Hospitality Industry Organizations

1. Alabama Restaurant Association  
2. Arizona Restaurant Association  
3. Arkansas Restaurant Association 
4. California Restaurant Association
5. Colorado Restaurant Association
6. Connecticut Restaurant Association  
7. Delaware Restaurant Association      
8. Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington DC                                                                                                        
9. Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association
10. Georgia Restaurant Association
11. Hawaii Restaurant Association
12. Idaho Lodging and Restaurant Association
13. Illinois Restaurant Association
14. Indiana Restaurant Association
15. Iowa Restaurant Association
16. Kentucky Restaurant Association
17. Louisiana Restaurant Association
18. Maine Restaurant Association
19. Restaurant Association of Maryland
20. Massachusetts Restaurant Association
21. Michigan Restaurant Association
22. Hospitality Minnesota
23. Mississippi Restaurant Association
24. Missouri Restaurant Association
25. Montana Restaurant Association                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
26. Nebraska Restaurant Association                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
27. Nevada Restaurant Association
28. New Hampshire Lodging and Restaurant Association
29. New Jersey Restaurant Association
30. New Mexico Restaurant Association
31. New York State Restaurant Association
32. North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association
33. North Dakota Hospitality Association
34. Ohio Restaurant Association
35. Oklahoma Restaurant Association
36. Oregon Restaurant Association
37. Pennsylvania Restaurant Association
38. Rhode Island Hospitality Association
39. Hospitality Association of South Carolina
40. Tennessee Hospitality Association
41. Texas Restaurant Association
42. Utah Restaurant Association
43. Virginia Hospitality and Travel Association
44. Washington Restaurant Association
45. West Virginia Hospitality and Travel Association
46. Wisconsin Restaurant Association
47. Wyoming Lodging and Restaurant Association

Chef, Cook and Food Service Organizations

1. American Culinary Federation was founded in 1929 and is the largest organization for professional chefs and cooks in North America.  There are 230 chapters at the state, regional and city level.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         
2. American Dietetic Association is for professionals in the dietetic and nutrition fields.                                                                                                                                       
3. American Personal and Private Chef Association has a training and certification program.
4. American Sommelier Association provides education and certification for its members as well as sponsoring occasional competitions.
5. Asian Chefs Association is a San Francisco based organization that encompasses professionals working in every form of Asian cuisine.
6. Association for Healthcare Food Service is for professionals who provide services in facilities with in-house food service.
7. California Capitol Chefs is a regional organization for Sacramento, the state capital, and environs.
8. Chicago Chefs Inc. is an organization that dates back to 1925, predating the American Culinary Federation by four years.  
9. Colorado Chefs Association has an apprenticeship program operated in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Labor and the American Culinary Federation.
10. Green Restaurant Association is dedicated to sustainable food service management.
11. High Sierra Chefs Association has a membership that works in the casinos, hotels and resorts in the Reno area and surrounding Lake Tahoe.
12. International Food Service Executives Association is comprised of professionals working at a variety of positions in all types of hospitality and institutional facilities.
13. National Association of Catering Executives  has forty six chapters around the country. They offer education programs and certification.
14. National Association of College and University Food Services was founded in Michigan and now has six regions across the country.
15. National Restaurant Association  is the major national organization, claiming all of the state organizations as affiliates.
16. New York Metro Personal Chefs is a regional organization serving all of the New York City Burroughs, Westchester and Putnam Counties, Fairfield County Connecticut and Northern New Jersey.  A golden networking opportunity for personal chefs in the area.
17. Orange Empire Chefs and Cooks Association is for cooking professionals in the Southern California Orange County area.
18. Professional Chefs Association offers certification training and exams.
19. Research Chefs Association  is an organization for professionals who are engaged in “the blending of culinary arts and the science of food.”
20. Restaurant Facility Management Association  is focused primarily on the large chain restaurant business sector.
21. School Nutrition Association works to support policies that further quality nutrition in schools. 
22. Society for Food Service Management includes members who work as consultants in the industry.
23. The Texas Chefs Association has fifteen chapters within the state comprising an active organization.  They also have a job bank on their website.
24. United States Personal Chefs Association provides insurance, certification and recognition for its members. 
25. Washington State Chefs Association dates back to 1923, when it was founded as the Seattle Culinary Association.
26. Women Chefs and Restauranteurs was established in 1993 and since then has grown to an organization with national membership of over 2,000 industry professionals.
27. World Association of Chefs Societies was founded in 1928 in the Sorbonne. 
28. World Master Chefs Society has 25 branches around the globe.

The culinary industry covers a wide ranging area and is one of the fastest growing industries in the country. The trend is that more people than ever are eating meals away from home. There are levels of certification in the culinary arts program. One could spend a year getting a certification as a food service worker or go on to get a 3 or 4 year degree. Opportunities that are available include food preparation workers. These workers prepare salads and other foods. This would be considered an entry level position. Cooks or food workers can also be employed by grocery stores to provide meals for purchase. Trained chefs and cooks typically work in established restaurants. Institutional and cafeteria cooks are also in demand. Sous chefs and pastry chefs can be used by higher grade facilities. Hotels or vacation areas also need chefs and food service workers.

 There are also many entrepreneurial opportunities. Catering is one area that someone can branch into. Starting out can be as simple as cooking the food for a friend’s party. Word of mouth and a few well placed advertisements can mean the start of a personal business. Specializing in a particular food is also an option. Making unique cakes to sell or other specialized foods can also make for a prosperous career. Owing one’s own restaurant is another option. Training in the culinary arts could also prepare one to be a manager. Many opportunities abound in this area. It is not even necessary to cook. Many chefs may begin cooking but go on to manage an establishment.

 A culinary degree is a key factor in the search for a job. It is important to a potential employer that a chef has adequate knowledge and creativity in regard to the food preparation. Dietary needs of the client can also be a concern along with a sense of the cost of meal preparation. The culinary degree can provide the necessary knowledge for a successful career.

There are culinary schools that are more prestigious and well know. One leader in the culinary arts is The Art Institute. This school offers degrees in areas of fashion, design, media arts and culinary arts. There are over 45 of these schools in North America.

Johnson and Wales University, College of Culinary Arts is another well known school. This is a private university in Providence, Rhode Island. Johnson and Wales is one of the most respected culinary schools. It has produced many well known chefs. Not only do students learn and practice in actual kitchens, but there internships are also available. Distinguished chefs from around the world are known to visit here. The degree program covers everything from cooking to marketing and management.

Le Cordon Blue is a top ranking culinary school that specializes in French cuisine. The first school opened in Paris in 1895. Now there are schools all over the world including North America. Each campus strives to have courses that will meet unique local demands. Courses cover cuisine and pastry making.

The New England Culinary Institute is located in Montpelier, Vermont. It was founded in 1980 with only seven students and now has become one of the top cooking schools in the nation. The school focuses on the principal of learning by doing. Classes are kept small so that everyone gets personal attention. The school strives to make the classroom environment as similar to a restaurant experience as possible.

The French Culinary Institute is also one of the top cooking schools. Many of its graduates are working in famous restaurants. It was founded in the SoHo district of New York City in 1984. The school also offers courses in the pastry arts and bread making. New classes begin every six weeks and affordable housing is available at this school.

These schools represent the most prestigious well knows school available. If location is not an issue then these schools are known to offer an excellent program. The reputation of these schools is well known and a degree would most likely guarantee a position at a well respected restaurant. These schools offer classes in various states. Many reputable schools are available. It is best to research the school and find the one that is the best fit for the student.

1. The chef or cook is one of the major reasons that someone embarks on a culinary career. Cooks are in high demand due to the growing trend to eat meals out rather than prepare them at home. Cooks can work anywhere from the local fast food restaurant to a posh expensive establishment. Those that love to prepare food generally follow this path.

2.  Food preparation workers play an important role in the culinary industry. These workers help to prepare the salads and other foods that accompany an entrée.

3.  A Patisserier is a food service worker that specializes in pastries. This person creates special desserts, pastries and baked foods. This position can take up to 4 years of training.

4.  A cafeteria worker is also part of the food service industry. These workers can be found in schools and institutions. Although it is not necessary to have a degree to work in a cafeteria, a certificate or other training is helpful for these jobs.

5.  Line cooks are usually assistant cooks that may have a specialty. These cooks are usually responsible for grilling, frying, sautéing or making sauces.

6.  Restaurant management is another culinary pathway. Many chefs or cooks find that they would like to have more authority and control in an establishment and choose to manage. A degree program in the culinary arts usually offers training in this area also.

7.  A food service business owner is another avenue. Someone with experience and training may want to own their own restaurant or business regarding food service. Many chefs feel the need to start their own business. This gives them the flexibility and creativity to achieve greater success.

8.  Catering is another option for the culinary graduate. The caterer can prepare foods for parties, banquets and other functions. This is a great way to own one’s own business and still have creativity and flexibility.

9.  Teaching is another option for the cook or chef. There are many teaching avenues. Cooking classes could be taught at a local community college or for various organizations. With the popularity of cooking shows, the sky is the limit when it comes to sharing the next best recipe or cooking tip. Cook books line the shelves and are always popular.

10. Hospitality is another popular culinary job. Vacation areas, resorts or cruise ships are always in need of experience culinary experts. This job combines work with a holiday atmosphere.

The choices of culinary jobs and career pathway are limitless. These top ten possibilities only represent a few of the many varieties that this career can offer.

The first tip to apply to culinary school is to research the available institutions and gather as much information as possible about the different schools and programs that are offered. It is also good to visit the school. Accreditation is an important consideration along with the cost of the school. It is advisable to inquire about financial aid that may be available.  It is also important to look at the requirements of the schools and the amount of time that the program requires. Look at what the school offers in regard to what sort of certificate or degree will be available. Another consideration is the possibility of career counseling or job placement services.

When applying, be careful to read all of the fine print on the application. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or ask for clarification on any issues that seem unclear. Fill out the application as completely as possible so as to make the best impression on the enrollment committee. An essay may be required with the application. It is important to know ahead of time what sort of essay the school desires. It may not be possible to use the same essay for various schools. It is important to be adaptable and to follow the instructions given as completely as possible. It will probably be necessary to get paperwork together beforehand. Request transcripts from previous schools be sent and have current financial documents available so as to avoid time delays in the application process. Your application can make a good first impression that will affect your acceptance into the school of your choice.

Another tip in applying to culinary school is to maintain a professional appearance. A prospective student may be invited to attend functions or be scheduled for an interview with the admissions committee. It is important to maintain a pleasant demeanor and to dress according to the school’s standards. First impressions are important. If several enrollment acceptances are received, the prospective student should carefully look at the pros and cons of each offer and make the best decision. Acknowledgment letters should be sent to the institutions that have been rejected. This will ensure that if something should happen to the first choice, other options will still remain. These basic tips should help prospective culinary graduates ensure their acceptance into the school of their choice.

Obviously, online culinary schools do have drawbacks. There is no hands- on training available to the student. This is a very important aspect of learning culinary skills. It is hard to know if meals are being prepared properly. An online course can supply the basics of cooking, but may not be helpful in regard to finding employment. It is important to have the experience and credentials that will impress prospective employers. Online culinary schools are best suited for chefs or cooks that are already working and wish to finish a degree while being currently employed. It is also possible to have some regularly scheduled contact classes to help with demonstration and technique, but this is not always the case.

There are benefits to an online culinary school. Variety is a key issue in food service. Taking online courses can ensure that the chef is exposed to new recipes and ideas. Some of the top rated culinary institutions also offer online programs. These institutions would supply good credentials. The Culinary Institute of Hyde Park and Johnson and Wales College are two of the best rated schools in the nation that offer courses online. Scholarships and Financial aid are also available for online courses. It would be helpful to contact the schools to find out what the employment success rate is for its online graduates. Schools may offer career placement advice or employment placement assistance for online students as well as regular students.  It could also be helpful to contact potential employers to find out if they would consider hiring a chef or cook with a degree from and online culinary school.

There are pros and cons regarding an online culinary education. The decision is up to the individual. If unable to attend a culinary campus, an online degree could be the next best option. With a little research and preparation, an online degree could be the start of a new career and give the training and knowledge needed to be a chef or work in the food service industry.

The first step is to search for grants and scholarships. It would be helpful to talk to the school. Information about grants can also be found through the high school guidance counselor, bank or government agency. There are also local associations and clubs that award scholarships. A professional culinary organization may also be a good place to inquire. Searching online can reap much information. A student database can also help. Grants and scholarships are a good option because they do not have to be paid back. A Pell grant is one such grant. Pell grants are awarded by the government. These grants are determined by the FAFSA (Free Application for Student Aid). The amount of the grant is determined by the financial information on this form.

It is important to start thinking about how you will pay for your education many years in advance. Good planning and saving can go a long way toward paying for school. Scholarships and grants should begin to be considered as early as high school. Academic performance and standardized test scores will be a determining factor. It is important to participate in activities that could affect being offered a scholarship. Public service and volunteer activities could also help. Letters of reference and recommendation from reliable sources such as teachers or employers can also help.

 Deadlines are crucial for application. Financial documents such as tax returns should have already been completed. Transcripts should be requested as early as possible. This process can cause delays if not done early. It is best to contact the financial aid office to determine proper submission dates. It is also good to include a personal letter discussing career goals and other information that the student would like the scholarship selection committee to consider. With some good planning and research finding a scholarship is possible. There may not be many culinary scholarships, but the good news is that the competition for these scholarships is much lower than it is for other types of scholarships.

Location is also an important issue to determine. How far are you willing to travel? What is the area like where the school is located?  What is the housing situation? It is best to be able to visit the school to discover the answers to these questions. If possible audit a class to see if it is a good fit. Class size and student to teacher ratio are also areas to assess. It is good to find out what sort of programs the school offers and if those programs will fit scholastic and career goals. Institutions can offer a variety of programs from one year certificates for food service worker to 3 and 4 year degrees. Prospective employers should have confidence in hiring a graduate of the chosen culinary school

Cost can also be a determining factor. Compare rates on different schools. Find out what sort of financial aid is available. The most expensive school may not necessarily be the best schools. Another factor is school determination is career counseling. Look for schools with a high rate of job placement. Notice what sorts of jobs are obtained. A good externship program is also desirable. The school can match an interest in a specific food such as Italian or Asian and place the student in that restaurant to learn. Schools in larger cities that have more access to a variety of restaurants may offer a more beneficial experience. Faculty should be diverse and represent a variety of culinary styles.

 Schools may have enrollment or application requirements. These should be determined before applying to the school. Culinary schools are not just designed for home cooks. The food service industry encompasses a wide range of possibilities. The school can also provide for basic educational requirements, but this is not always necessary. A broad range of classes can also be important. A student may want the foundational information to manage a restaurant or open their own business. When it comes to culinary schools the sky is the limit. Online schools are also available. The most important determination is based on the ability of the school to contribute to the success and career goals of the student.  

To get a better idea of the actual time involved, it is best to contact the institution of choice. A representative at the school could give information on the programs offered and the length of time that it generally takes to be completed. Different schools have different time allotments for classes. Generally a certificate program can be completed in about a year depending on the content of the class. Certificate programs generally supply technical skill in a particular area. This could be helpful in obtaining employment in a general food service area such as a cafeteria worker. An associate degree is a two year degree that covers general education and some classes in a major. A Culinary degree could take 3 to 4 years depending on the depth of the program. The food service industry has a wide range of possibilities and there are many areas that can be explored.

A good question to ask when contemplating a culinary school is how much actual time one has to dedicate to the classes. It there is general interest and a prospective student just wants to see if a culinary career is the viable, then online classes can be an option. An online culinary class could offer the flexibility to begin taking classes yet still maintain work and family life. At some point, experience in an actual classroom or restaurant will be necessary. After taking a few classes, a person should have an idea whether a culinary career is the right choice.

Dedication will go a long way toward completing any career goals. Determination and focus on the path toward a culinary career will help to complete the process in a timely matter. The journey begins with the first step. Taking the step towards a career in the culinary arts will be rewarding and enjoyable. Once begun, the time pursuing ones dream will be well spent.

1. Chef2Chef Culinary Portal — This site is the place to go for fantastic recipes. In fact, they offer a list of the top 100 recipes, as voted on by their members. Other features include forums, blogs, a culinary school directory, and chef job boards. It’s a real community where you can talk shop and get your questions answered.

2. Chefability.com — Chefability.com touts itself as “one of the best cooking resources online,” and it definitely is. You’ll find information on becoming a chef and culinary schools, cooking tips and videos, and the lowdown on all kinds of cooking equipment. Chefability.com has an extensive collection of recipes that are categorized very specifically and easy to find. For example, under the Chicken category, you can choose from “baked,” “easy,” “grilled,” and “healthy.” There’s even a section on campfire cooking!

3. Delish — A part of the MSN network, Delish is full of yummy recipes, with absolutely beautiful photographs. There are also videos, if you’re more of a visual learner. Helpful features include measurement equivalents, substitution ideas, and metric conversions, all of which are necessary for the serious chef. Not only can you find just about any kind of recipe you want here, there’s also a menu finder providing several dishes to serve together. Convenient. For special occasions, you’ll want to check out the wine guide and instructions on napkin folding, flower arranging, and table setting.

4. Chef’s Blade — This site has it all for the die-hard aspiring chef. There’s an Ask a Chef forum where you can have your questions answered by professional chefs and a section with career tips on everything from what to do about difficult diners to the top cities to work in. Detailed articles are available on topics like ingredient selection and food science basics. You’ll love the videos that cover every conceivable aspect of cooking, even how to butcher a pig’s head!

5. Good Cooking — Good Cooking has been around since 1995 and offers tons of recipes; you can even submit your own. This site is packed with information that goes way beyond the recipes. You’ll want to go here to find a food dictionary and a list of cooking terms, as well as conversion guides. Good Cooking offers thorough advice on cooking techniques, and there’s a forum where you can get answers from “your cooking peers.”

6. Cook Advice — Cook Advice is the place to go to find step-by-step recipes. Searching for the perfect recipe is made easy, as you can search by ingredient, by preparation, by course, or by occasion. There’s even a section on special foods that covers such categories as ancient and ethnic, religious, and exotic recipes. You’ll love the section on cooking tips. We’re talking tips for the serious chef, like how to select and use yucca and which woods are good for grilling.

7. Global Chefs — Visit Global Chefs, “the culinary online magazine written by chefs” for your gourmet recipe fix. New recipes are added each month by top chefs, and recipes are set up in basic categories for convenient searching. What’s not basic are the kinds of recipes you’ll find here. This is some high class, gourmet fare. For instance, how’d you like to tackle preparing Beluga caviar with potato blini short stack? You’ll find the recipe at Global Chefs!

8. Cook’s Illustrated — This is the companion website to the popular print magazine and offers a catalog of recipes put through the rigors of the Cook’s Illustrated test kitchen., where recipes are sometimes made over 100 times. Gorgeous photos accompany the recipes, found in easy to browse categories. Equipment reviews, an in-depth how-to section, and video library make Cook’s Illustrated the place to go for all things cooking.

9. King Arthur Flour — America’s oldest flour company has come a long way since its establishment in 1790. You’ll find fantastic baking recipes here with mouth-watering photographs. There are also useful online baking resources like help with the intricacies of measuring by weight and volume. You could spend hours reading the blog, which includes even more recipes, with step-by-step instructions and pictures along the way.

10. Epicurious — The website for “people who like to eat,” Epicurious features recipes from its partner print magazines, Gourmet and Bon Appetit. Search for menus by category and peruse in-depth articles and guides. There’s also a community where you can set up a profile page, add recipes, join groups and forums, and even create your own chat room.