Restaurant Neighbor Award 2008 Finalist
Missouri

Victory Trade School
Springfield, MO

Cornerstone Humanitarian Nominee: Chadwick Isom

When Victory Trade School and its “culinary laboratory,” the Cook’s Kettle Restaurant, approached Chadwick Isom about becoming the restaurant’s executive chef and instructor, Isom proved to be more than up to the challenge. In just four years, he has turned the Cook’s Kettle from a diner-style operation into an award-winning establishment. He has matched that success in his work at Victory Trade School, the residential school that trains students in culinary and life skills. VTS students operate the Cook’s Kettle. In addition to his accomplishments in training and mentoring more than 100 students, Isom is involved in the Springfield community, spearheading local AA conventions, Sertoma Clubs of Springfield events and substance abuse counseling for men and women. He is a regular contributor to the local CBS affiliate’s morning show. Isom recently received the Chef Louis Szamarthy Humanitarian Award from the Branson- Springfield chapter of the American Culinary Federation.

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