ABOUT US
The idea for Just Hatched Chefs comes from a simple belief:
KIDS ARE FAR MORE CAPABLE THAN WE OFTEN GIVE THEM CREDIT FOR
Chef Thom Kojak
Owner & Instructor
Growing up, I wasn’t allowed to help much in the kitchen. Cooking was something adults did, and it took me until my 30s to truly discover how empowering, creative, and joyful it can be.
I often think about how different that journey could have been if I’d been trusted earlier with real skills and real responsibility. That idea sits at the heart of Just Hatched Chefs.
Each week, students step into the 'kitchen' to explore new flavors, textures, and techniques in an energetic, supportive environment. They learn proper kitchen skills, try foods they might not have chosen on their own, and leave with something they made themselves. Just as important, they leave with confidence, pride, and a smile on their face.
With over a decade of experience as a public school teacher, I bring the structure, safety, and classroom management needed to get high-quality results without losing any of the fun. Kids feel supported, challenged, and genuinely excited to cook each week.
One of the most rewarding moments to me is watching parents’ reactions at pickup: the surprise when their child explains what they cooked, shows off the recipe, and confidently shares their food. These moments remind us that kids don’t just want to participate—they want to be trusted.
My long-term hope is that students carry more than recipes with them. I want them to develop a love for the endless possibilities of food, an appreciation for cultures around the world, and a can-do attitude they apply to their lives well beyond the kitchen.
