This was the first initiative that we launched in 2015. It started with 6 young adults who trained and worked at 610 Magnolia and MilkWood. The purpose of this initiative was to empower young people in the neighborhoods of Louisville’s West End and Smoketown training in our restaurants. It was a new and fresh approach to offering jobs to young adults who could not afford culinary school or higher education.

A mentorship for young adults
Smoke & Soul
It was a challenge to get through that first year of the program and we learned from the young adults who made us better by giving us feedback and guidance. We have improved our curriculum and we are excited to offer a new program for young adults to work at Chef Edward Lee’s restaurants in Louisville, KY.
Smoke & Soul is an initiative where we mentor and train young adults who are high school graduates into jobs in the restaurant industry. Through a curriculum that we have developed, we give our interns the proper training and education to lead them into a productive career.
Candidates do not need any prior work experience. They are given real world training under the supervision of a teacher/mentor.
They will be paid a stipend through the 40 week program. At the end of the program, once they have completed the curriculum, they will be offered a position at one of Chef Edward Lee’s restaurants.
This program has had a successful pilot run and the goal now is to expand the program with Chef Lee’s newest restaurant, Whiskey Dry. The plan is to mentor 4 young adults each year with the goal of encouraging them into industry professionals by the end of the 40 week program.
It is a focused and personalized training program meant for only the strongest candidates from
Louisville.
All candidates must fill out an application, go through a strict screening, and interview with our program director Lindsey Ofcacek.
SMOKE & SOUL INITIATIVE
WHAT IS REQUIRED TO APPLY
LET US SHOW YOU
HOW TO APPLY
Email: Lindsey@610Magnolia.com
Mail : Attn: Lindsey Ofcacek
610 W. Magnolia Avenue, Louisville, KY, 40208
In Person: To submit an application in person, please call 502.636.0783 to arrange a meeting.