Reviewed by: Cindy Hatcher
Dream of working in food + events? Here’s how to do it in Birmingham
Reading time: 3 minutes
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Birmingham is known for its standout chefs, nationally recognized restaurants and a food culture that keeps raising the bar.
From intimate dining rooms to large-scale events, the city’s culinary footprint reaches far beyond the plate, creating a demand for skilled professionals who understand both great food and how the business works.
Read on to see where many of those careers begin right here in the Magic City—and how you can get your foot in the door.
Launch your culinary career in Birmingham
If you’re looking to turn a love of cooking or events into a real career, Lawson State Community College is a place to start. I had no idea the college had a Culinary Arts program, and after checking it out in person, I almost wanted to switch careers myself.
Through the program, Culinary Arts students get hands-on experience and skills needed to dive right into Birmingham’s thriving foodie scene—whether it’s cooking in a bustling restaurant kitchen or crafting show-stopping pastries.
Culinary Arts students have mastered the perfect omelet. (Ben Johnson / Bham Now)
Students master these hands-on skills:
- Knife skills
- Plating + presentation
- Food safety + sanitation (students earn the ServSafe certification—valid for 5 years in the industry)
- Food cost control + purchasing
- Event prep
“Our facility really stands out. All of our equipment is brand new, and our students come from all walks of life—right out of high school to adults changing careers.
It’s a great place to start and go anywhere.”
Adam Elliott, Culinary Arts Instructor, Lawson State Community College
Some careers you can pursue with a Culinary Arts degree include:
- Caterer
- Food truck owner
- Pastry chef or baker
- Personal chef
- Restaurant chef or line cook
Hospitality Management—the business side food + events
Behind every great meal is a solid plan—and that’s where Hospitality Management comes in. This program prepares students to manage the business, logistics and guest experience side of the industry.
Students learn to:
- Plan events
- Oversee operations
- Coordinate marketing
- Keep restaurants, hotels + large-scale events running smoothly
Some career paths in Hospitality Management include:
- Director of food + beverage
- Event planner
- Executive chef
- Hospitality representative
- Patient care or education administrator
Culinary Arts + Hospitality—the perfect pairing
What really sets Lawson State Community College apart? Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management students work together on real events, just like they would in the industry.
“We’re completely co-dependent—and that’s intentional. It’s a perfect marriage of two worlds. That teamwork prepares students to adapt, lead and succeed no matter where their careers take them.”
Darvin McDaniel, Hospitality Management Instructor, Lawson State Community College
Interested in more CTE programs at Lawson State? Check out the full list.
Dreaming of a career in kitchens, events or hospitality? Learn more about Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management at Lawson State Community College.
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