Downtown Redwood City welcomes a new culinary education destination as Chef Prep Kitchens prepares to open its permanent location at the Historic Dielmann on Main Street this May. Founded by Chef Joshua Bachant, the venture offers intimate cooking classes for Redwood City residents seeking hands-on culinary instruction in small group settings.
From Corporate Dining to Community Kitchen
Chef Joshua Bachant, a Fresno native, brings extensive experience from his culinary journey through some of thefinest establishments. After four years in corporate dining with Continental Dining Services and formal training at the Culinary Institute of America, Bachant honed his skills at prestigious venues including La Calenda in Yountville and Michelin-starred PRESS restaurant in St. Helena.
“My cooking philosophy is deeply connected to community and resilience,” explains Chef Bachant. “Every technique I teach comes from real experience in great kitchens with great chefs.”
During the pandemic, Bachant found renewed purpose working on a local farm, which reinforced his belief in food’s power to heal and bring people together. This experience shaped his vision for Chef Prep Kitchens as more than just a cooking school.
Current Offerings and Future Plans
While awaiting their permanent space, Chef Prep Kitchens currently hosts intimate classes for up to eight participants in Bachant’s home kitchen. The small class size ensures personalized attention and allows students to develop confidence with fundamental cooking techniques that translate to daily life.
The business also maintains an active community presence through pop-up events at The Yard, 1020 Main Street, featuring seasonal menus that showcase diverse culinary traditions. For larger groups, customized private events offer team-building opportunities and celebration alternatives.
A Mission Beyond Cooking
What distinguishes Chef Prep Kitchens is its dual purpose. Operating as a culinary business with a social mission, Bachant plans to form partnerships with charitable organizations focused on suicide prevention, rehabilitation, and recovery, particularly within the California correctional system.
“Everyone deserves a second chance,” says Bachant, whose personal experiences drive his commitment to creating opportunities through culinary education. “Chef Prep Kitchens will be a beacon of hope—creating jobs, offering professional training, and providing mentorship.”
The venture plans annual charitable contributions until establishing a dedicated space for these community-focused efforts.
As anticipation builds for the opening, Chef Prep Kitchens continues accepting registrations for current classes while preparing expanded offerings at their historic downtown location. For Redwood City residents seeking expert culinary instruction with meaningful community impact, Chef Prep Kitchens offers an ideal blend of professional training and social purpose.
