Welcome MARK ANDREW BROWN
Student Recruitment & Admissions Liaison
We are thrilled to welcome Mark Andrew Brown (Class of 2009) to the staff of Stratford Chefs School, in the critical role of Student Recruitment & Admissions Liaison. Mark is an Alumnus of Stratford Chefs School, as well as the current Instructor of Level Two Business. In his new role, Mark will lead recruitment efforts, and identify and execute on strategic opportunities for enhancing and growing recruitment for Stratford Chefs School, one of Canada’s leading entrepreneurial-based culinary programs aimed at training future chefs.
An honours graduate of the Stratford Chefs School, Mark has been recognized for his talent, passion and commitment to hospitality as an OHI Top 30 Under 30 Chef, and was selected as one of the ten future stars of the Canadian culinary scene to compete for the Hawksworth Young Chef Scholarship in Vancouver. Mark was also a recipient of the University of Guelph Good Food Innovation Award for his menus based on Canadian content, creativity, clarity, and sustainability.
Throughout his time behind the stoves Mark has had the opportunity to train with world renowned chefs and has spent time learning in some of the country’s most celebrated restaurants. At home and abroad he has spent time honing his craft from Ottawa to Rome to Toronto to New York City and he has shared his skills, as both a manager and director, with strong hospitality operators including Langdon Hall, Oliver and Bonacini, and The Charcoal Group.
In addition to Mark’s culinary experience, he holds an honours diploma in Enterprise Management and is the owner of Lady Glaze Doughnuts, currently with multiple locations including Kitchener, Cambridge, Guelph and London, Ontario. Lady Glaze prides themselves on making old fashioned doughnuts from real ingredients with unique and fun flavours. Welcome to your new role, Mark!
Photo by Andrew Coppolino
Calling all Hospitality Employers
JOB FAIR FEBRUARY 5
After a COVID-related hiatus, the Stratford Chefs School Job Fair will return on Monday, February 5, 2024. This event will be held from 2-3:30 pm in the SCS dining room at 136 Ontario Street. The student job seekers attending will be a mix of graduating students looking for their next steps, and current students looking for positions for their internship period in the summer between Level 1 and Level 2. Alumni and hospitality job-seekers in the community are also welcome to attend!
Space is limited. Please email Randi Rudner at rrudner@stratfordchef.com with questions or to reserve a table.
STUDENT CHEF DINNERS CONTINUE
Delicious food, inventive and so eagerly and happily presented and consumed!! I love dining at the Chefs School.
-Rosemary, October 31, 2023
STUDENT CHEF-DESIGNED MENUS DINNER SERIES
“The intersection of education, hospitality and passion at which the SCS Staff live and work is phenomenal, and the dedication and care that they each bring to every aspect of their role at the Chefs School is the reason that this institution is so special. I’ve learned so very much about this industry and about life while I’ve been here, but the biggest lesson I will take away from any of this is the importance of giving a damn. All of you give a damn, and it has changed lives at this place since 1983.”
Jonathon Farrell | Stratford Chefs School Class of 2023 Valedictorian
“The Stratford Chefs School provides the training to create world-class chefs who are comfortable working in any kitchen environment. Its immersive, approachable, interactive curriculum provided me with the tools and confidence that I needed early on in my career to make the transition from the school setting to the workforce. Perhaps most important to me are the lasting friendships that were made, the ongoing support from the SCS community, and exciting collaborations with other alumni.”
Alondra Galvez | Owner/Chef, El Cactus Taco Shop | Stratford Chefs School Class of 2003
“The Stratford Chefs School offers an unparalleled learning environment in which students are immersed in a hands-on, realistic approach of what to expect in the culinary industry. My experience at the Stratford Chefs School exposed me to various cuisines, a limitless spectrum of cooking techniques, and an opportunity to work directly with renowned chefs. The calibre of the instructors, and their cumulative experience in the field, laid the foundation on which I could build the confidence I needed in order to pursue my career path.”
Yva Santini | Chef, The Flour Mill, St. Marys | Stratford Chefs School Class of 2009
“At the Chefs School, I was given the opportunity to challenge myself, and expand the limits of my culinary skill and knowledge. SCS gave me the ability to trust in my own skill and allowed me to expand my knowledge. Now I confidently pass that skill and knowledge to my students.”
Mel Athulathmudali | Teacher, Strata Montessori | Owner, Chef Mel Catering | Stratford Chefs School Class of 2016
QUESTIONS? Visit our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page or email Admissions at: admissions@stratfordchef.com
Photography by Terry Manzo (SCS Class of 1985)