FC Cincinnati & CityLink Center launch Culinary Training Program

FC Cincinnati and CityLink Center partnered to help individuals enter the construction careers through the building of TQL Stadium in the West End and will now partner to help individuals enter culinary careers through the on-going operations of the stadium.

FC Cincinnati selected Levy to operate all food and beverage operations within the stadium, and both organizations have a commitment to using the operations as a training ground for the culinary workforce. Levy is led locally by Nigel Chalkley, Director of Operations.  Levy operates culinary training programs in a number of locations around the country and looked for a local partner to help bring the vision to life in Cincinnati. “Our industry offers great careers to people interested in a fast-paced, engaging environment. Our company is committed to training and developing talent for our operations and beyond, which is why we are so excited to partner with CityLink Center on this culinary training program” shared Nigel Chalkley.

CityLink Center and Findlay Market partnered to launch their culinary training program in 2019, a program that has 4-weeks of culinary training and soft skills at CityLink followed by an internship at a restaurant in Findlay Market. With the onset of the pandemic and massive uncertainty faced by restaurant operations and hiring prospects, the program was halted in March of 2020. Prior to the pandemic, graduates had taken their training and experience to successfully join the teams of top restaurants like Jeff Ruby’s, Fausto’s, Pepp & Dolores, and more.

“We are extremely excited to relaunch Findlay Culinary Training with the addition of another great partner and a new neighbor, FC Cincinnati” shared Chief Program Officer, Dani Watkins. Students will participate in 4-weeks of on-site training at CityLink Center, followed by an internship at the stadium. “This partnership allows us to not only equip individuals aspiring to enter the culinary field with incredible skills and supporting services, but also the critical real-life experience of a paid internship under the guidance of one of our city’s top chefs.”

FC Cincinnati and Levy hired George Zappas as the Executive Chef, seeking to bring the best dining experience to MLS’ newest stadium. “It’s thrilling to bring this vision of utilizing the stadium to train the next generation of culinary talent”, shared George Zappas, “this program will help us recruit, train, and support individuals interested in working with us to bring the ultimate game-day experience to our city”.

“Since day one, FC Cincinnati has focused on building with and upon the strengths of our incredible community. With this partnership we will continue to create economic opportunity for our neighbors with CityLink Center”, added Kate Solomon, Vice President Community Relations of FC Cincinnati and Executive Director of FC Cincinnati Foundation. “We will continue to utilize the excitement and opportunity associated with FC Cincinnati to intentionally support and elevate our community and neighbors.”

Individuals interested in being a part of the first cohort of 8-10 individuals should call 513-357-2000 or go to https://www.citylinkcenter.org/services/ to enroll in the class. The class will take place at CityLink Center in the West End during July and in August, the first class will graduate from the program and proceed to the stadium for their internship followed by permanent job placement support for all graduates. Next season the partnership plans to run 3 cohorts throughout the year.

About Lion’s Share Hospitality:  Lion’s Share Hospitality is the team of chefs, restaurant and hospitality professionals, and beverage experts crafting every aspect of food, beverage, and hospitality at the TQL Stadium. The team is powered by the operational expertise of Levy. Lion’s Share Hospitality oversees the experience across Player Dining, Concessions Concourse, East Plaza, Premium clubs, and suites at TQL Stadium, both on match days and for special events.  Lion’s Share Hospitality is powered by Levy’s operational experience executing high-end signature events like the Kentucky Derby, the U.S. Open Tennis Championships, Grammy Awards, and many other championship and world-class sports and entertainment events across the United States. Levy has also built expertise developing and operating some of the top professional soccer experiences. As of the 2021-22 season, Levy’s portfolio will span 12 MLS venue partners including Audi Field in Washington, D.C., and Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, among others. 

About FC Cincinnati: FC Cincinnati is a professional soccer team that play in Major League Soccer, having entered the league as its 24th team in 2019. The club’s wide and diverse ownership group is led by controlling owner Carl H. Lindner III, as well as managing owners Meg Whitman, Scott Farmer, and George Joseph. Originally founded in 2015 by Lindner III and current president Jeff Berding, FCC played in the second-division United Soccer League (USL) from 2016 to 2018 before moving to MLS.  

Follow the team on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or YouTube, or visit the club’s official website: fccincinnati.com.

About CityLink Center: CityLink provides a place and pathway for individuals to create economic security for themselves and their families. Our approach focuses on co-locating (bringing services into one building) and integrating programs (creating a cohesive experience) while fueling that work with volunteers. The Center continues to grow a comprehensive set of social service partners to provide programming in three core focus areas of Employment, Industry Training/Education, and Financial Education while supporting barrier removal services through clinical counseling, benefits and material support, childcare, parenting classes, transportation, health & wellness services and more. 

Follow CityLink on social media with Instagram, Facebook or YouTube, or learn more at citylinkcenter.org