Hands-on culinary and leadership training that empowers youth and adults to cook, create, and serve their communities.
At Smokehouse Academy, our mission is to empower youth and adults with culinary, leadership, and workforce development skills through real-life restaurant experience. By bridging education with opportunity, we equip our participants for meaningful careers in the food service industry creating lasting impact in their lives and the communities they serve.
We are transforming a two-flat in Broadview, IL into a dynamic culinary training center where youth and adults cook, learn, and serve in a real restaurant-style setting. Our programs are designed to empower the next generation with hands-on culinary skills, business knowledge, and real-world experience in a supportive, community-focused environment.
Whether you’re interested in making a donation, partnering with us to serve the community, or learning more about our programs we want to hear from you. Together, we can create opportunities and make a lasting impact! Click the learn more button to find out more about our programs.
Your support fuels our mission.
Every donation helps us provide hands-on training, mentorship, and opportunities for youth and adults through our culinary and workforce development programs. If you’re interested in making a contribution or sponsoring a program, please fill out the form below and thank you for helping us make a difference.
Get involved, get inspired.
Whether you’re a parent, educator, student, or community member, we’d love to share how you can be part of our hands-on mentorship program.
Let’s collaborate for greater impact.
We’re always looking for passionate individuals, businesses, and organizations to join us in empowering our community through mobile outreach, pop-up events, and educational programs.
Smokehouse Academy offers a unique, immersive experience in full-service restaurant operations through youth programs and adult internships:
Youth participants take the lead on Sundays, managing and running the restaurant for the public. This real-world opportunity helps them build culinary confidence, business ownership skills, and raise funds to sustain their training.
Adult interns operate the restaurant on Mondays and Wednesdays, gaining hands-on experience in kitchen operations, workforce development, and front-of-house service — preparing them for immediate job placement in the food industry.
Our experienced instructors bring a wealth of knowledge, offering valuable insights into the culinary and restaurant industries.
Your support helps us provide hands-on culinary education and workforce development to those who need it most. Together, we’re building a brighter future—one plate at a time.
