Let us help you decide which class suits you the best

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Located in Orange County, CA

Turning Recipes
into Empires.

entrepreneurship Program

Join our exclusive 6-Month Entrepreneurship Program with proven entrepreneurs from Co-Lab and industry-leading executive chefs from CulinaryLab.

Connect with our admissions team today

By submitting this form, you agree to receive communications from CulinaryLab. Msg and data rates may apply.

Program Features

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Accelerate Your Idea

Personalized guidance designed to fast-track your growth and success.

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Hands-On Learning

Build your business as you learn with practical, hands-on deliverables tailored to your concept.

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Real Industry Experts

Learn from workshops with tastemakers, executive chefs, and food industry leaders.

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Build Your Network

Get exclusive access to Co-Lab’s entrepreneurship network and vibrant community.

Pro Entrepreneurship Program

NEW PROGRAM

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Melanie R.

Melanie R.

Graduate

“CulinaryLab not only prepares you for cooking/pastry, it can also prepare you to work IN the industry with its Apprenticeship Program or prepare you to run your own business with its Entrepreneurship Program! I have learned so much valuable information from both programs, but the Entrepreneurship Program has made me feel like my dream to own/run a restaurant is more achievable. Currently the program is one day every other week, for five hours. There is no “fluff”, just valuable information, making my trips from San Diego well worth it. Having gone through its Culinary, Apprenticeship, and Entrepreneurship programs, I can confidently say that this school is built to make sure you succeed! And with 0% financing, why would you choose another school?”

Pro Entrepreneurship Program

Ready to launch your food business? Our program equips aspiring food entrepreneurs with all the tools to succeed— product development, marketing, cost analysis, legal guidance, and more. Whether it’s a food truck, bakery, or café, we’ll help turn your culinary vision into reality.

Tuition $18,000

Monthly Payment Plans Starting at $233*

*Based on approved credit

Tuition $18,000 | Monthly Payment Plans Available

Best suited for: Food Entrepreneurs, Culinary Enthusiasts, Investors, Restaurant Owners, Food Industry Professionals

$50K Incubation Grant Award: Best Food Business Concept

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We’re excited to announce an incredible new grant to help turn your culinary dreams into reality! Exclusively for students in our Pro Entrepreneurship Program, this opportunity is proudly brought to you by CulinaryLab X Co-Lab. Here’s your chance to compete for the ultimate launch package for your dream culinary venture. The journey culminates in a thrilling Shark Tank-style pitch competition, where each team will battle it out to win $50K in success-proven advisory and support from culinary business experts.

The lucky winner will receive $50K in startup services:

  • Brand Identity Package • Get your business ready with professional looking brand & marketing design ($10K Value).
  • PR & Influencer Services provided by FoodBeast • TBD Your business story promoted to over 9M readers ($5K Value).
  • 4SM + Co-Lab Facility Rental Package • Kitchen rental space, storage, membership, equipment rental ($10K Value).
  • Sales & Business Support CulinaryLab + Co-Lab • Launch your startup with network credibility ($5K Value).
  • Expert Menu Development • Collaborate with expert Chef from partner site on menu consulting and R&D ($5K Value).
  • Operations Starter Package • We’ll help with paperwork such as permit assistance, bookkeeping setup, employee manual, training SOPs ($5K value).
  • Growth Marketing Package • Social media content, video production, website design, graphic design ($10K Value).
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Next start date: 7/3/2025

Class Schedule: Thursdays 9am - 1pm @ CL Studio Kitchen at 4th Street Market in Santa Ana.

From Dream to Reality:
Meet our founder Chef Ryan

Chef Ryan is a culinary trailblazer with a passion for innovation and entrepreneurship. With years of experience in the kitchen and a sharp business mind, he’s made a name for himself by fusing creativity with strategy. Through his mentorship and hands-on incubator workshops, Chef Ryan empowers aspiring food entrepreneurs to bring their ideas to life.

Next start date: 7/3/2025

Explore Program Features
Your Future in Food Starts Here.

From recipe to revenue: Our proven entrepreneurship program connects passionate food innovators with expert mentors, cutting-edge resources, and the strategic toolkit to launch breakthrough businesses.

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Comprehensive Curriculum with Expert Guidance

  • Nine-month curriculum designed to combine theory with hands-on learning.

  • Access to industry-leading mentors for guidance and real-world insights.

  • Learn practical skills to turn culinary ideas into successful ventures.
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Action-Oriented Workshop and Hands-On Experience

  • Participate in immersive workshops on product development, branding, and financial planning.

  • Create a product prototype and practice at real-world community events.

  • Students will actually launch a food business during the program.
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Tailored Business Development and Growth Support

  • Build a personalized business plan and pitch deck aligned with your vision.

  • Learn legal compliance, cash flow management, and go-to-market strategies.

  • Develop targeted branding and marketing approaches for your business.
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Collaborative and Innovative Culinary Community

  • Join a network of like-minded entrepreneurs and experienced mentors at monthly events.

  • Access ongoing support, collaboration opportunities, and industry resources.

  • Benefit from relationships built from this community even after the program ends.

Program Overview

Program Length

9 months

Program Length - 9 months

In-Person + Access to Online Resources

100%

100% In-Person + Access to Online Resources

Day 1 - In-person

TBD

Day 1 TBD - In-person

Virtual Self Study / Individual Project

9-15hrs*

Virtual Self Study / Individual Project 9-15hrs*

Equipment & Ingredients Included

No

Equipment & Ingredients Not Included

Weekly Time Commitment

4 hrs

Weekly Time Commitment - 4hrs

Access to 4SM Food Collective Events

Yes

Access to 4SM Food Collective Events

Scholarship Available

Yes

Scholarship Available just added

Access to State-of-the-Art Kitchens**

Yes

Access to State-of-the-Art Kitchens**

Program Cost

$XX,XXX

Program Cost $XX,XXX

*Actual study/project hours can vary greatly depending on students’ individual depth and thoroughness of work

**Kitchen access will be limited to a few times during the program that we require kitchen work.

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Our programs are state approved in compliance with California state standards set by BPPE.

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The Pro Entrepreneurship Scholarship Program

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Our scholarship program is tailored to support aspiring entrepreneurs and restaurant owners, providing financial assistance to help them gain the skills and expertise needed to thrive in Co-Lab and grow their businesses.

 

Award:
Tuition assistance up to $3,000, per student upon success acceptance into the Pro Entrepreneurship Program and fulfillment of eligibility requirements.

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Experience the 4th Street Market Food Collective

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At 4th Street Market, you’ll find a vibrant, diverse food community brimming with innovation and passion. Being part of this collective of food entrepreneurs means sharing ideas, collaborating with like-minded creators, and receiving invaluable feedback. This dynamic environment fosters growth, inspires creativity, and offers the perfect space to test new concepts while building a thriving business.

What Our Students Say About CulinaryLab

I received a Christmas gift last year to improve my baking and pastry skills. After searching online, there was nothing to chose from where I live in San Diego. CulinaryLab came up so I decided to give it a shot. I did the cake...  Read more

Kenvin J.

Amazing place to learn how to cook. Learning is immersive and very hands-on. Their professional track not only teaches you culinary techniques but also provides great insight into the foodservice indu...  Read more

Veronica Reyes

Absolutely am blown away by how great of an experience this was! Exceeded my expectations by far. I am someone who had zero cooking experience prior to enrolling in the 12 week program & now I feel very comfortable cooking semi-pro dishes....  Read more

Ariana T.

My daughter attended CulinaryLab Cooking School and loved it. She is now very knowledgeable and doing all kinds of things. I highly recommend this program; the staff is extremely competent and the p...  Read more

Christy Licato

The highly trained chefs and instructors at CulinaryLab, are passionate about cooking and instructing future chefs on the skills required to cook professionally. We all know the difference between bei...  Read more

Charles W Rose

This school is hands down amazing! I'm from their first graduating class and I can say hands down I'm so glad I came here and not some other cooking school. Price wise it was cheaper than any other sc...  Read more

Yair R.

The chefs are great & very passionate about teaching. I was in the previous school they thought at, and if I had known this one was opening I would have gone here instead. The price is much more a...  Read more

Karma M.

I recently came out to the school to watch some professional chef instructor demos and must say I was blown away from the moment I walked in! The space itself is gorgeous... super modern and aestheti...  Read more

Victoria Varon

CulinaryLab is run by a group of the more talented and passiknate chefs I've ever had the pleasure of learning from. If youre looking for a school that will get you on the right track into starting yo...  Read more

Amanda C.

Unbelievable great concept new students will surly get a hands on quality education

Bill Michael

I recently came out to the school to watch some professional chef instructor demos and must say I was blown away from the moment I walked in! The space itself is gorgeous... super modern and aestheti...  Read more

Victoria V.

I participated in a culinary workshop and it was excellent. I highly recommend it.

Sandi Jimenez

The curriculum is tailored to people wanting to enter the field and pursue their dream to be a chef or pastry chef. it provides real world experience and education that is relevant to the workplace. f...  Read more

Vollie Barton Mathews

I support CulinaryLab Cooking School 100% and believe in their model and mission!!

Sandie Diamond

I got the chance to attend an open house event at CulinaryLab where each of the instructors did a culinary demo. I got to tour the school and speak to some of the team. I have a background in culinary...  Read more

Rob Ladd

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Average Rating: 4:9
(11,329 followers)

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Average Rating: 4.8
(30 reviews)

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Average Rating: 4:9
(53 reviews)

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11.1K followers

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Chrisitian M. (Cohort C27) works under Chef Ben to prepare a new dish he created at The Pendry in Newport Beach, California.

Our selectivity stems from our dedication to your success

We take pride in being a selective, high-performing institution dedicated to cultivating the potential of culinary entrepreneurs. Our apprenticeship and hybrid programs are thoughtfully designed for passionate and driven individuals embarking on a transformative journey in the culinary world. Success in this industry demands not only exceptional skills but also unwavering commitment and creativity. Our tailored programs deliver essential knowledge alongside hands-on experience, ensuring that every participant graduates with real-world expertise. This solid foundation equips culinary entrepreneurs to thrive in any setting—whether leading a prestigious restaurant, managing a bustling bistro, or innovating in the kitchens of luxury hotels.

Gain Inspiration From Our Talented CulinaryLab & Co-Lab Mentors

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Briana Breluke

Director of Education

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Ryan Wagner

Founder + Chef

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Tanit Parnprome

R&D Chef Instructor

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James Caveness

R&D Chef Instructor

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Olivia Whitehurst

Business Strategy

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Armando Ceron

Marketing Strategist

Customer Reviews

“I have been in classes taught by both Chef Wagner and Chef Johnson. They are both fantastic, knowledgable, approachable, witty and talented.“
“The chefs were all articulate, patient experts in their respective crafts and you could tell they were excited about teaching and sharing their knowledge with others. True foodies.“
“CulinaryLab is run by a group of the more talented and passionate chefs I’ve ever had the pleasure of learning from.
“The chefs were all articulate, patient experts in their respective crafts and you could tell they were excited about teaching and sharing their knowledge with others. True foodies.“
“When you first meet the instructors at The Culinary Lab they might be intimidating and what might come to mind is some episode of kitchen nightmares with Ramsey! but rest assured, they are the most approachable chefs you will ever meet!aaaaand the knowledge and resources the instructors poses @The Culinary Lab is abundant!“
“The collaborative environment makes for a fun atmosphere and Chef Matt encouraged everyone to ask any question we had.“
“The chefs are great & very passionate about teaching.“
“Chef Mike is an amazing teacher and really takes the time to go into detail and explain techniques.“
“The entire staff is so supportive & encouraging beginning with Founders Chef Ryan & Lisa Wagner. Chef Colleen is amazing“
“The teachers are excellent and truly help you both by showing you the proper way and correcting your mistakes.“
“All of the staff at the school are extremely professional and kind at the same time. It is amazing how much you learn from the staff, they continually focus on making sure the students are the focus.“
"Chef Paul was great"
“CulinaryLab is run by a group of the more talented and passionate chefs I’ve ever had the pleasure of learning from.“
“Colleen is the best at what she does and makes it fun.“
“Chef Mike helped me with ServSafe. Tyler, Sarah H., and Sarah were awesome as well.“
“It was wonderful experience to be in class under Chef Brianna’s instruction. She is so knowledgeable and helpful.“

Frequently asked questions

Where are classes held?

In-person sessions are held in Downtown Santa Ana at our location inside of 4th Street Market. Virtual classes take place in your own kitchen at home.

Why is CulinaryLab so affordable compared to other culinary schools?

CulinaryLab tuition cost is a fraction of what’s required for enrollment at traditional culinary schools. We keep fees as low as possible because we don’t believe it’s fair to stick students with high debt after graduation. This is also one reason why we place you in an apprenticeship. You’re able to make money that you can put toward your education or to cover your costs while learning.

Do you offer financial assistance?

While we don't accept FAFSA, we work with a student loan company to offer financing options. Keep in mind, during your 500-hour apprenticeship, you make a minimum of $8,000 before graduation. Earnings will vary depending on program path and employer.

Can I choose my schedule?

This program was built for people that need a flexible schedule. There are only 5 weeks of in-person attendance. All other work can be completed remotely as it fits your schedule.

Do you guarantee a job after graduation?

You graduate from CulinaryLab with the knowledge and connections needed to excel in a variety of culinary careers. A 500-hour paid apprenticeship program is part of the program. Many of our students stay at that job after graduation.

Do I have to take all the classes?

Chef Ryan and the team have narrowed down this program as much as possible to teach students only what really matters. In order to leave CulinaryLab with the quality education and experience we think is necessary to succeed in the industry, students are required to complete all five levels of the program.

How soon can I get started?

Classes typically fill months in advance. However, we regularly start new sessions. If your application is accepted, you can begin in as few as 3 months.

Our Admissions Team

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We’re here to answer your questions and help you find the right entrepreneurial path.

Submit your info to accelerate your culinary journey to personalized admissions support, scholarships, state-of-the-art kitchens, culinary network events, and business leading insights to help you succeed in months, not years.

Schedule a call to explore our 
Pro Entrepreneurship Program.

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