Kay Arogundade proudly wrote to us recently about her son Alex who is cooking up a storm at Chapter One restaurant. She shares Alex’s recipe for success at the award-winning restaurant in Locksbottom, Kent, where he is held in high esteem by staff and customers alike.
Alex is a chef at Chapter One
Alex is really passionate about his work. He told us, ‘I am so so happy and I love my job. I love cooking and the people at Chapter One are really nice. I know I want to be a chef when I am an adult.’
How it all Began
A love for food was first cultivated for Alex at his school, Riverston in South East London, where he started to come home telling us how much he loved food tech.
Alex at Chapter One Restaurant on Saturdays
Alex went on to achieve a BTEC in cooking skills last summer and he was so proud of this achievement. He stayed on at his sixth form, Riverston College and continued to progress with his cooking skills. So much so that his cooking tutor emailed us to say how much progress Alex had made in cookery and that we should encourage him to cook more at home and if possible outside of the home.
‘His presence has been nothing short of a blessing.’
~ Head Chef Andrew McLeish, Chapter One
When we enquired about the possibility of Alex gaining work experience at Chapter One, he was called in for an interview with the Head Chef Andrew McLeish. At this interview Andrew saw Alex’s passion for cooking and offered him a Saturday job there and then.
Alex loves going to work, and every Saturday morning he tells us that he is so happy. He is even happy to forgo sleepovers at his friends’ houses to ensure he is able to be ready for work on a Saturday morning.
A Lasting Impression
The family enjoy a meal with Alex at Chapter One Restaurant
Marcel Faulstich, managing partner at Chapter One had this to say: ‘At Chapter One, we pride ourselves on our delicious meals, warm atmosphere and great service. A significant part of that warmth comes from Alex, one of our exceptional young chefs who has Down syndrome. His presence has been nothing short of a blessing.
Every Saturday morning, Alex arrives with a radiant smile. His favourite tasks include prepping vegetables for the garnish and the larder section of our kitchen. He is also often involved in preparing staff lunch, a time everyone looks forward to. His passion and attention to detail is second to none.
Alex’s positive attitude and genuine care have created a welcoming environment in our kitchen. He teaches us daily about the power of inclusion and the unique strengths everyone brings. I am incredibly proud to have Alex on our team. His story is a testament to the profound impact one person can have.’
We wish you all the best with your future career in hospitality Alex!
If you enjoyed Alex’s story, you might also like to read about Ethan Stein, the Poet-Chef, or Lisa who runs business Lisa’s Cakes and Bakes together with her sister Phoebe.