Restaurant ReadyFirst Jobs
and Second Chances

Putting Underserved People on a Path to Employment and Independence

Restaurant Ready is a national program dedicated to helping people acquire the basic job and life skills necessary to pursue jobs in the restaurant industry, and jumpstart a pathway to independence.

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 wrap-around services to eliminate any barriers to success.

Program Goals

Establish the restaurant industry as a suitable place for first jobs, and as a model of employment, development and advancement.

Foster collaboration between community-based organizations, state restaurant associations, and employers.

Secure additional resources to support people not currently connected to school or work.

Provide a national standard assessment for job-readiness skills.

HOPES - Hospitality Opportunities for People (Re)Entering Society

In 2019, the U.S. Department of Labor awarded the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) a grant to develop pathways from the justice system to employment for young adults.

The NRAEF will partner with Departments of Corrections, community-based organizations and state restaurant associations to train young adults reentering society. These partner organizations will utilize the NRAEF’s Restaurant Ready training framework with individuals at participating correctional facilities as well as after release and during parole.

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Community Partners

Learn more about our community partners around the country. Knowledge Sharing Center - coming soon.

View List of Partners

Get your organization involved

Connect with a member of our team or submit an inquiry to learn more about how you can get involved with Restaurant Ready.

Contact NRAEF

Submit an Inquiry