Promoting Mental Health Awareness in the Foodservice Industry
In 2019, seasoned foodservice worker Kris Hall founded The Burnt Chef Project to spark an open dialogue about mental health in foodservice and hospitality. His goal was to create a safe space where employees and employers could access support, share their work-related stressors, and help the industry become a healthier place.
The fast-paced and often unpredictable nature of restaurant work makes it one of the most stressful and demanding careers. "Long hours, high-pressure situations, and a culture that often encourages pushing through stress take a heavy toll on those who dedicate their lives to serving others," a company spokesperson told KaTom.
According to a Burnt Chef Project study of more than 1,000 hospitality professionals, four out of five workers report experiencing at least one mental health issue during their career, yet 46 percent of workers say they wouldn't feel comfortable talking about their health concerns with their colleagues.1
As a result, many workers try to numb their anxiety rather than speaking openly about it, sometimes turning to heavy alcohol use or illicit drugs. As of 2015, the foodservice industry had the highest rate of illicit drug use in the United States.2
Hall had seen too many friends and colleagues deal with restaurant burnout. "It became clear that mental health needed to be a priority, not an afterthought," the spokesperson said.
The Burnt Chef Project Addresses the Issue
Hall and his team developed free mental health awareness training tailored for foodservice workers who need help. "We started with a simple message: it's okay not to be okay," the spokesperson said.
They specifically cater this training to struggles commonly faced by those in hospitality, from distributors to dishwashers. Beyond just offering online resources, The Burnt Chef Project also trains ambassadors to help coach others struggling with mental health. Many of these ambassadors are current or former foodservice professionals themselves and understand the issues hospitality workers face daily.
To date, The Burnt Chef Project has more than 300 ambassadors, and its reach extends to 187 countries. They conduct training at college culinary programs and help facilitate a community platform where workers can share their stories and support one another. "We believe that the power of community is one of the most effective ways to foster long-term change," the spokesperson said.
To learn more about The Burnt Chef Project, the resources they offer, and how you can get involved, visit their website.
References
- About. The Burnt Chef Project. Accessed April 2025.
- Substance Use and Substance Use Disorder by Industry. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Accessed April 2025.
