Soulcial Kitchen announces first food truck apprenticeship program in America
The Swansea, Illinois-based concept also recently launched a Love Thy Neighbor initiative to bring hot meals to Metro East communities in need.
Courtesy Soulcial Kitchen
The food truck–based, cloud kitchen concept Soulcial Kitchen has announced a new registered apprenticeship program.
Courtesy Soulcial Kitchen
Regulated through the Department of Labor, the program provides training and hands-on experience for cooks who are looking to break into the business. The program consists of 2,500 hours of comprehensive training, including 250 hours of work experience. Topics covered include safety and sanitation, food-truck kitchen operations, kitchen management, menu development, legal concepts and requirements, and leadership training. At the end of of the program, all participants will receive credits for their work.
According to Soulcial Kitchen's founder and director, Brigadier General (Ret.) John E. Michel, "We are the first food truck apprenticeship program in America."
1 of 4
Courtesy Soulcial Kitchen
2 of 4
Courtesy Soulcial Kitchen
3 of 4
Courtesy Soulcial Kitchen
4 of 4
Courtesy Soulcial Kitchen
Along with Michel, David Stidham of A Fine Swine was part of the launch of Soulcial Kitchen, a hospitality company that houses multiple food truck concepts under one banner, including the aforementioned A Fine Swine, El Guaqo Taco, and smashburger concept Soulcial Smash. A food truck park, dog park, and brick-and-mortar restaurant featuring the different options opened in Swansea in October.
1 of 4
Courtesy Soulcial Kitchen
"Dirty" ribs from A Fine Swine
2 of 4
Courtesy Soulcial kitchen
Smoked, grilled chicken from A Fine Swine
3 of 4
Courtesy Soulcial Kitchen
A double pimiento cheese burger with onions from Soulcial Smash
4 of 4
Courtesy Soulcial Kitchen
Tacos from El Guaqo Taco
Courtesy Soulcial Kitchen
Soulcial Kitchen places an emphasis on its altruistic pursuits. The truck brands that are part of the conglomerate participate in a give-back program that allows the public to purchase a token for $8 to give to someone in need. The orange coin, referred to as the Currency of Caring, can be redeemed for a meal at any of the participating food trucks.
In the brand's most recent philanthropic development, the food truck fleet partnered with software company Blue Stingray to launch the Love Thy Neighbor initiative, which allows area businesses to sponsor a food truck to provide 100 free hot meals to members of Metro East communities in need.
Courtesy Soulcial Kitchen
In a press release, Michel added, “We at Soulcial Kitchen are extremely excited to launch our latest community initiative and grateful for the men and women at Blue Stingray for investing in this innovative new solution to serving the underserved. At a time in our nation’s history where many of our fellow citizens are struggling or facing difficult circumstances, Love Thy Neighbor is a simple and tangible way to demonstrate compassion, care, and kindness—via delicious food—to those most in need, in our midst.”
For booking and additional information, including about the apprenticeship program, contact Michel at 719-338-1547 or visit soulcialkitchen.com.
