Child labor laws aside, general consensus suggests that commercial kitchens are no place for kids. That sentiment is quickly changing as teens claim their places in the food industries around the world.
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According to a recent piece by Teen Vogue, the landscape of the culinary world is in the midst of a major transformation, largely due to the endless possibilities offered by the internet. Most kids used to consider food prep a chore, but modern technologies have launched chefs to rockstar status.
Teens can now use the internet as a resource for learning culinary skills they might not be able to learn elsewhere. Once they master those skills, they can launch videos and blogs to show the world what they have to offer.
So, what does this mean for established restaurants and culinary schools? Mostly, it means an opportunity to expand your reach. Schools, markets, and chefs can capitalize on the motivation of culinary teens by offering classes geared toward kids. Establishing a relationship with aspiring chefs in their earliest years could pay off in a major way down the road. Adult chefs have found teen chefs to be lighthearted, willing to learn, full of drive, and unafraid to take risks.
The Food Network has fully embraced this modern trend by offering a plethora of competition shows for kids and teens. Rachael Vs. Guy Kids Cook-off, the Chopped Teen Tournament, and the Kids Baking Championship are some of the biggest arenas for teen chefs to show off their skills. Masterchef Junior on Fox has also launched some aspiring young chefs to celebrity status.
To highlight exactly how teens are taking the culinary world by storm, check out some of the most inspiring kids in the business.
- Eliana de Las Casas, by age 14, is a chef who has written four cookbooks already.
- Romilly Newman was the youngest-ever Chopped contestant and at 16 is an established food blogger.
- Haile Thomas started a video series called Kids Can Cook when she was only 9 years old.
- Flynn McGarry has landed a spot at one of the hottest restaurants in L.A., Alma, and is only 15.
Children and teenagers have moved past the phase as dreamers, making all their deepest desires into realities. They may still only be wearing a Chef Apron, but that chef coat is well within reach. Taking inspiration from these motivated young people is one way to capitalize on the trend. Finding ways to encourage and develop young talent is a great way to cultivate our culinary future.