Success Stories

Prepare for an inspiring journey through the real-life narratives of Escoffier students, instructors, and alumni. Witness how these individuals turned their culinary dreams into tangible success stories, revealing the diverse and unique paths that can pave the way to achievement.

11 min read

From Desk Job to Pitmaster: A Culinary Journey with Escoffier Graduate Michael Fields

Find out how Escoffier graduate Michael Fields went from an office job in finance to a Texas barbecue pit.

September 13, 2024
10 min read

How Chef Instructor Steven Nalls Built a Sustainable Farm-to-Table Lifestyle

Find out how Escoffier Chef Instructor Steven Nalls built an 80-acre farm-to-table lifestyle after starting as a fast-food worker.

August 23, 2024
17 min read

The Unlikely Leap: How an Injury Transformed a Ballet Dancer into a Culinary Artist

Discover the inspiring story of a culinary tutor who reshaped her career after a devastating injury.

May 17, 2024
14 min read

“See as Much as You Can”: Chef Instructor Gregory Bonath’s Lifelong Embrace of Curiosity

With the support of family and mentors, Chef Gregory left his small town behind and embarked on a unique culinary career that has culminated at Escoffier.

April 26, 2024
9 min read

Everyone’s Favorite Cookie Guy: Wes Duckworth’s Story from Escoffier to Entrepreneur

Dive into Wes Duckworth's journey, where resilience, innovation, and a profound love for cookies converge.

March 18, 2024
10 min read

Beyond Borders: A Tenacious Culinary Graduate’s Inspiring Journey from Ecuador to Austin

Discover Escoffier graduate Estefania Colamarco’s journey from Ecuador to the U.S. as she followed her culinary dreams.

January 24, 2024
10 min read

From Scrubs to Aprons: A Chef’s Incredible Journey from the ER to the Kitchen

Embark on Chef Dawn's remarkable odyssey, transitioning from the fast-paced world of nursing to the creative realm of a Chef Instructor.

December 4, 2023
10 min read

From Military Service to Pastry: Escoffier’s Trenin Nubiru’s Unexpected Career Shift

Discover Trenin Nubiru's incredible journey from military engineer to pastry artisan.

November 22, 2023
18 min read

Mentorship in the Mountains: Culinary School Externs Find Guidance at La Marmotte

Escoffier students unleash their culinary potential during their externship at La Marmotte restaurant in Telluride, CO.

September 22, 2023
9 min read

Escoffier Student Suhalia Gant Trades Push Ups For Pastry

Escoffier graduate Suhalia Gant went from personal trainer to pastry cook. Find out how Escoffier’s online baking & pastry program helped her get there.

July 19, 2023
9 min read

How a Culinary Education Led Shai Fernandez to the Four Seasons

Culinary Arts student Shai Fernandez wanted to build a culinary career on a foundation of good habits. And he knew that Escoffier could help him build that base!

July 14, 2023
11 min read

Chef Instructor Eric Jenkins’ Journey From Farm House to White House

A short stint in the Army turned into 24 years with stops all over the world—including at the White House. Chef Eric cooked for four U.S. presidents!

June 26, 2023
11 min read

Cooking Up Resilience: How Five Culinary School Graduates Turned Challenges into Triumphs

Stories of resilience, overcoming self-doubt, and pushing past barriers from five inspirational Escoffier graduates. Get motivated to pursue your goals!

May 26, 2023
12 min read

Pro Food Stylist Lisa Spychala Learns New Tricks at Escoffier

Experienced food stylist Lisa Spychala explains how a stint on Food Network’s Chopped led her to seek an online culinary education with Escoffier.

February 16, 2023
10 min read

Boulder Student Oscar Beltran Turns an Externship Into a Winning Opportunity

Boulder Culinary Arts student Oscar Beltran built skills and found confidence at Escoffier… then crushed the competition in his externship!

January 23, 2023
8 min read

After Homelessness, An Austin Pastry Student Finds Stability in the Kitchen

Escoffier baking & pastry graduate Merisauh Gamble shares how she went from a homeless teen to an educated baker with an externship in Ireland!

November 22, 2022
8 min read

Escoffier Graduate Cassie Wallace Discovers Her Strengths in the Face of Disability

A diagnosis of an auditory processing disorder may have limited the future of this baking and pastry grad. Instead, she is excelling in the industry!

October 19, 2022
9 min read

A Busy Mom of Two Balances Family & Culinary School: “I Want to Graduate with Honors”

Katie Sualog balances motherhood, a home-based bakery, and baking & pastry school at Escoffier’s Austin campus. Her goal? To graduate with honors.

April 12, 2022
10 min read

From Substance Abuse to Culinary School Graduate: A Journey of Redemption

From struggles with addiction to working in one of the best restaurants in the world, follow Parker Wilks-Bryant’s story and his plans for giving back.

February 22, 2022
7 min read

From Escoffier Graduate to Michelin Star Restaurant Cook

Recently we caught up with Alex Weis, who went from Escoffier graduate to Michelin Star restaurant cook, to chat about...

December 14, 2019
3 min read

Online Graduate Wins 5 Gold Medals at JCTE Military Cooking Competition

Elaborate cakes resembling fine-art sculptures standing 3 feet tall; perfectly plated dishes reminiscent of 3-Michelin starred restaurants; soldiers trading in...

March 20, 2018
6 min read

Online Culinary Program Spotlight: Mitchell Rodriguez

Mitchell Rodriguez’s love started like that of most professional chefs: bite by bite. In his case, it was a move...

November 16, 2016
7 min read

Online Culinary Certificate Classmates Cook For Tour Of Utah Cycling Event

It isn’t every day that three classmates travel from across the country and continent to work together for one event....

August 10, 2016
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