2 answers
Tabitha
Student
Palmer, Alaska
3
Questions
Asked
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Why did you decide to become a chef or baker?
I want to own my own cafe in the future because it's my dream so I was just wondering what made you want to and what was your dream of it.
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2 answers
Kevin Peterson
Associate Store Team Leader
2
Answers
Fair Lawn, New Jersey
Updated
Kevin’s Answer
Choosing a career as a chef or a baker can be immensely rewarding. Yes, it's challenging, and yes, it demands a lot from you. The reality is, you might miss out on holidays, vacations, and family gatherings, even as the owner, because your commitment to keeping the business alive is crucial. The job can be physically and mentally taxing, with long hours spent on your feet, working tirelessly 6-7 days a week.
As a business owner, you also shoulder the financial responsibilities, from settling bills with vendors, to paying your team and covering utilities. This can indeed be mentally exhausting.
However, when you witness your kitchen operating at its full potential, with your team bringing the vision of your cafe to life, it's an incomparable feeling of satisfaction. The camaraderie that develops within the team is powerful, with everyone ready to support each other through thick and thin. The creativity, passion, artistry, and sheer hard work involved are incredibly fulfilling.
If you have the opportunity, I recommend spending some time in a local cafe or bakery to get a feel for the work environment. To further understand the essence of kitchen life, delve into the writings of Anthony Bourdain and Michael Ruhman's The Soul of a Chef, among other insightful reads.
Remember, every journey begins with a single step. So, take that step and see where it leads you. Best of luck!
Read books about kitchen life (Anthony Bourdain, Michael Ruhman, etc)
As a business owner, you also shoulder the financial responsibilities, from settling bills with vendors, to paying your team and covering utilities. This can indeed be mentally exhausting.
However, when you witness your kitchen operating at its full potential, with your team bringing the vision of your cafe to life, it's an incomparable feeling of satisfaction. The camaraderie that develops within the team is powerful, with everyone ready to support each other through thick and thin. The creativity, passion, artistry, and sheer hard work involved are incredibly fulfilling.
If you have the opportunity, I recommend spending some time in a local cafe or bakery to get a feel for the work environment. To further understand the essence of kitchen life, delve into the writings of Anthony Bourdain and Michael Ruhman's The Soul of a Chef, among other insightful reads.
Remember, every journey begins with a single step. So, take that step and see where it leads you. Best of luck!
Kevin recommends the following next steps:
Jack Batten
Chef
35
Answers
Upper Marlboro, Maryland
Updated
Jack’s Answer
Tabitha every chef wants to own their own restaurant/ cafe its the goal to be able to cook what you want and no have to have a boss. But i found out that every customer is your boss. You will have to learn to be criticized at every turn. as to much salt does not have enough salt (same mael different tables). Quick story i worked in an office building running the cafe. Every time we made mashed potatoes my boss would call me and tell that they had to much salt and pepper, talked with my cooks had different cooks make them same phone call. One I made them without any salt and pepper same call. ??? could not understand. A few weeks latter had a mangers lunch meeting . my bosses assistant had the potatoes she put salt and pepper on them with even tasting them first. then i knew. If really want to do these learn math, account management people management. Have enough money owning your cafe is a lot more then you see in moves and TV shows. and cooking shows .
Chef Jack
Chef Jack