Download the latest Culinary Arts newsletter:

• May 2025

The Culinary Arts Program supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) interested in learning the skills necessary for a career in the culinary arts field, including cooking, food service, banquet service, catering, and general maintenance. The program combines theory and practical application of skills and abilities, and readies individuals with IDD for gainful employment in the food service industry where they might otherwise lack work opportunities. Culinary Arts provides facilitation in the kitchen, banquet hall, conference room, and a classroom setting, which includes support, assistance, and training in the culinary arts services. Within the scope of the activity, skill areas are addressed which increase self-sufficiency, interaction with others, and satisfaction in life. With guidance from Culinary Arts staff, participants determine their own specific, culinary-oriented goals and/or objectives. The Arc LAOC has developed a rich array of resources that includes Executive Chefs as lead trainers, a large, 2000 sq. ft., state-of-the-art commercial kitchen, and a beautifully renovated, fully operational banquet hall seating 150. These facilities, collectively known as The Reagan Center and Banquet Hall, serve as a training facility to participants while engaging the general public to be a part of their overall experience.