Deep community Investment
We believe, support and invest in the advancement of the restaurant industry and culture. We believe by providing educational opportunities, we are changing the fabric of people and communities at every economic level so they can achieve the life they deserve in an industry that is a stepping stone to the American work force.
Texas Restaurant Education Foundation
Roger Kaplan is the current Chairman of the Texas Restaurant Education Foundation(TRAEF). For over 8 years Roger has been deeply committed to the Texas ProStart program which focuses on placing a professional restaurant curriculum in Texas high Schools. As Chairman of the TRAEF, the focus has now turned to expanding our educational resources to post secondary education, graduates and restaurant managers ensuring that the TRAEF is the educational resources for restaurants in Texas.
About TRAEF:
TRAEF provides educational opportunities and are the educational resource for the restaurant industry in Texas. With focus a focus on high schools, colleges and restaurant employees and management we are helping to provide incredible careers in the restaurant industry in Texas. Through our ProStart curriculum we create professional kitchens and restaurants in high schools developing 20,000 plus students a year that are being prepared for our workforce needs. Learn more
Texas Restaurant Association
Roger Kaplan currently serves on the executive board of the Texas Restaurant Association(TRA).
About TRA:
The TRA promotes and protects the restaurant industry through advocacy at the local, state and national level. Learn more
Culinary Institute of America
Roger Kaplan served as a Fellow of the culinary institute of America from 1998-2013 and was on the Advisory committee for the creation of the online Culinary Research & Development program, as well as, creating the physical Ventura Foods Research & Development classroom at the university.
About the Culinary Institute of America:
For more than seven decades, The Culinary Institute of America has been at the forefront of innovation and education excellence in culinary studies. Learn more
Café Momentum
We are an Inaugural Member of the Café Momentum Society supporting financially as well as Pro Bono time and resources to assist in its creation.
About Café Momentum:
Café Momentum is a Dallas-based restaurant and culinary training facility, transforms young people’s lives by providing a positive environment in which at-risk youth who have spent time in juvenile facilities receive intensive culinary, job and life-skill training, as well as continued mentorship and support, enabling them to achieve their full potential. Learn more
El Centro College Culinary Arts
Roger serves on the Advisory Board for El Centro College Culinary Arts to provide consultation, guidance and direction as El Centro moves forward in its leadership role of educating students for the restaurant industry.
About El Centro College Culinary Arts Program:
El Centro College Culinary Arts Program is one America’s top 23 culinary schools in the United States and provides student training through classroom instruction, hands-on participation and work-study classes. Learn more