Trainee story
D'Angelo lost his mother when he was three, and soon after, his father left. Throughout his adolescence, D'Angelo struggled with paralyzing anger issues. His freshman year was especially hard for him, after he and his grandmother were evicted from their home and forced to live in a motel. D'Angelo became depressive, relapsed into violent behavior, and started failing school. Needing a constructive outlet and a goal for his future, he applied to Sprouts CT Program. Chef-Owner Lev Delany immediately recognized his talent and soon, D'Angelo was hired on. Today, D'Angelo is still with Chop Bar, living in stable housing, and finishing up high school. After graduating, he plans to become a full-time chef so that he can help others heal through food, just as he did. D'Angelo refuses to settle for a career he doesn't love. He wants to be a chef so he can use food to bring people together and heal.
Trainee testimonial
"Since my family has a southern heritage, food is a big part of bringing people together like on Sundays and it helps heal whatever comes in the week before. Watching my mom and grandma cook, it made me want to one day cook for them and other people."
Host testimonial