Ever dreamed of owning your own restaurant or food truck?

Confused by all the licenses, registrations and certifications needed to get started?

Need a mentor to guide you through the fundamentals of running a successful food business?

Apply to join VSEDC's Food Service University to find out how to take your entrepreneurial dreams from idea to conception. 

04/24/2023 - ORIENTATION

05/02/2023 - REQUIRED COURSE - 1

05/09/2023 - REQUIRED COURSE - 2

05/16/2023 - REQUIRED COURSE - 3

05/23/2023 - REQUIRED COURSE - 4

05/30/2023 - ELECTIVE - 1

06/06/2023 - ELECTIVE - 2

06/13/2023 - ELECTIVE - 3

06/24/2023 - GRADUATION 1

06/27/2023 - GRADUATION 2

Only 1 Elective is required, however you may take more than 1 Elective. Course schedule will be updated here. 

Apply Now! 

APPLICATION CRITERIA

This program is for businesses located in L.A. County ONLY.

Open to all start-up businesses or existing businesses that have been established for less than 12 months.

Must be able to commit to attend all 4 Fundamental Courses and 1 Elective Course. (You may take more than 1 Elective Course.) 

Must be able to commit to 3 follow up technical assistance sessions with a business coach.

Apply Now! 

CORE COURSES

1. Vision to Conception: Restaurant Business Plan Writing-participants will be provided a business plan template and coached through completeing pages 1-10. Required Permits, Licenses and Registrations for operation. Homework: complete the 4 worksheets from the business plan template.

2. Understanding Your Profit: Restaurant Accounting and Budgeting Basics. Restaurant Accounting and Budgeting Basics. Introduce Start-up Expenses Worksheet. Homework: Complete start up expense worksheet and determine capital needed to open.

3. Food & Labor Costs Explained: Review Food Cost Formulas. Create a mock schedule to establish labor costs. Strategies to manage high food cost/high labor costs and eliminate them. Homework: Complete mock schedule, determine weekly payroll costs.

4. Menu Engineering & Menu Marketing: Understanding the dynamics of a profitable menu. Making your menu pop with PopMenu software. Homework: Create a menu using free Canva software.

ELECTIVE COURSES

Elective 1 / CFO Licensing-How to Start a Home Based Business
Guidance on completing the CFO application. Tips on passing a home kitchen health inspection. Provide vendor referrals for ingredients and packaging. Seasonal Marketing Tips.

Elective 2 / Food Truck Ready!
Where to find new/used food trucks and food trailers. Vehicle Plan Check Preparation. Commissary Kitchen locator. Seasonal Marketing Ideas.

Elective 3 / Sidewalk Strong - Small but Mighty Business Model
Street Vendor permitting regulations. Marketing and growing your local presence. Vendor referrals for ingredients and packaging. Seasonal Marketing Best Practices.

Apply Now!