Atlanta Culinary Students Showcase Skills Amid Job Market Challenges

Atlanta, December 29, 2025

News Summary

Culinary students at North College & Career Academy in Atlanta demonstrated their cooking talents during final exams, emphasizing the profession’s resilience against AI. Chef rankings show a projected 7% job growth for chefs and head cooks in the coming decade, despite challenges from local restaurant closures due to rising food costs. The academy’s diverse curriculum prepares students for various culinary careers, fostering creativity and cultural understanding. However, rising pressures may impact local job opportunities in Atlanta’s culinary scene.

Atlanta culinary students recently showcased their impressive cooking skills as part of their final exams at North College & Career Academy. With chefs being ranked among the most AI-resistant jobs in the U.S. according to an analysis by Resume Now, the students’ performance highlights a promising future in a field that combines creativity and technique—traits that are hard for artificial intelligence to replicate. Federal labor projections estimate a 7% growth in employment for chefs and head cooks over the next decade, suggesting a faster-than-average increase in job opportunities for aspiring culinary professionals.

Among the students was Elijah Lowen, who prepared a garden herb chicken with supreme sauce. He expressed confidence in his dish despite experiencing a minor seasoning issue. Chef Eric Martin, the head trainer at the academy, noted the significant progress his students have made from having little kitchen experience to mastering various cooking techniques.

The school’s culinary curriculum extends beyond basic cooking techniques to include lessons on the cultural, historical, and religious significance of food, preparing students for various career paths. Many students aspire to operate their own food trucks or pursue positions in restaurants, hotels, and catering businesses.

Despite optimistic national employment projections for chefs, Atlanta faces challenges due to restaurant closures in 2025, attributed to rising food prices and financial pressures. This situation may impact local job availability, even as the median salary for head chefs in Georgia approaches $90,000.

In a related context, a report from TRADESAFE highlighted that Atlanta has the highest per capita anxiety about AI job loss in the U.S. The study tracked over 1,000 Americans’ concerns using Google search data related to job security in the face of AI advancement. Notably, Atlanta ranked No. 2 nationally for searches related to blue-collar job interests, indicating a shift towards perceived less vulnerable roles against AI.

The report points to evolving job markets and the emergence of new roles related to AI quality checks and training. Experts have noted a trend termed “The Great Flattening,” which reflects the diminishing role of middle managers as AI takes on tasks traditionally handled by these roles. Layoffs in major tech companies such as Microsoft and Amazon contribute to this shift, further influencing workplace dynamics and communication. Data shows that the number of workers per middle manager has doubled since 2019, prompting discussions around proactive measures that can help mitigate job loss from AI advancements, including engaging with supervisors about performance and additional opportunities.

With the culinary arts continuing to remain a secure profession amid rapid technological changes, students in Atlanta are well-prepared for careers that celebrate both creativity and resilience against automation.

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Additional Resources

• CBS News: Aspiring Atlanta Chefs Find Hope
• AJC: What’s Ahead for Metro Atlanta Business in 2026
• Savannah Now: AI Job Anxiety in Atlanta
• Wikipedia: Artificial Intelligence
• Axios: Atlanta AI Jobs
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Job

Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER

The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.