Eat well. Do good.
We combine the power of enterprise with a commitment to social impact, creating real jobs and career pathways for young people.
First Jobs, Bright Futures
Many of our team members are gaining their first real-world work experience, setting them on a path toward long-term success.
Skills That Last a Lifetime
From culinary techniques to teamwork, leadership, and customer service, our young professionals leave with valuable, transferable skills.
A Community of Support
We go beyond training by providing mentorship, career coaching, and connections to further education or full-time employment.
Pathways to Careers
Whether moving into full-time employment, higher education, or entrepreneurship, The Culinary Lab sets the foundation for lasting success.
Meet the Executive Chef
David Quillinan (he/him/his)
Executive Chef/Culinary Trainer
Chef Dave Quillinan brought his 30+ years of experience to SEAT Center’s new culinary program in June 2023. Chef Dave now spends his days imparting the wisdom of those years in the industry to our culinary students and teaching them the back-of-the-house skills they’ll need to be successful and productive in any restaurant kitchen in the hospitality industry.
Chef Dave has a lot of skill and wisdom to share, as he’s placed “top 3” in every soup and food competition he’s been in, which is a lot! He chooses to teach at SEAT Center because he wants others to learn from his mistakes and his successes. Dave says, “If a program like this had been available to me when I was 18, I might have avoided a lot of missteps. Helping these young people avoid some of those makes my days.” When not working for SEAT Center, Chef Dave enjoys time with his family and playing his guitar. He’s a blues and rock’n’roll man who dreams of owning a Stratocaster.
Real food is love.
Where dining meets impact.
Every dish served at The Culinary Lab represents more than just great food—it’s an investment in people, community, and opportunity. When you dine with us, cater an event, or support our mission, you’re fueling the future of culinary and hospitality in the 518.
Join us at Hattie’s Culinary Lab and The Lab at 55, where we create more than intentional dining experiences, we show people the power of believing in themselves.
A SEAT Center Enterprise
SEAT Center empowers young people through education, job training, and hands-on experience. The Culinary Lab is a direct extension of that mission, operating as an employment social enterprise where students gain paid, on-the-job training in a real working kitchen.
We provide paid, hands-on work experience in a supportive environment, helping young professionals develop the skills, confidence, and connections they need to succeed in the workforce.
