Thank you for your interest in participating in our inaugural PITCH DAY program by SHIA Restaurant. SHIA by Chef Edward Lee is both a fine dining restaurant and a nonprofit reimagining sustainability and education access in the hospitality industry.
We are excited to hear your restaurant and menu dream as we take a step closer to bridging the gap of starting a restaurant business for the first time.
February 10, 2025 to February 28, 2025 12:00 AM ET
Final selection announcement: March 7, 2025
Welcome Session: March 10, 2025
Mentorship and Educational Program: March 10, 2025 - June 2, 2025
Pitch Day and Graduation: June 2, 2025
Questions? Contact info@shiarestaurant.org
Learn more at shiarestaurant.org
We are looking for three individuals who are:
• A female chef currently in the DMV (DC/MD/VA) area
• At least 21 years of age
• Works in the hospitality industry as a chef, sous chef
• Wants to open her first restaurant business
• Has a clear concept for their business
• Be collaborative, open to feedback, authentic, diligent, and dedicated.
• 3-month training and resources by SHIA
• Opportunity to pitch your restaurant concept and menu
• Chance to win $5,000 to start your restaurant
• Create an original restaurant business plan
• Create an original menu and restaurant concept
• Participate in all program sessions
Note: All ideas shared remain 100% your intellectual property.
Your CV/Resume (Max. weight 5 mb) *
Please provide 1-2 individuals who can speak about you as your employer. They may be current or past employers. Please share us their information below and we will be in touch with them.
What is your restaurant concept? *
Quick Service Restaurants
Casual Restaurants
Fast Casual Restaurants
Fine Dining
Contemporary Restaurants
Pop-up Restaurants
Food Trucks
Ghost Kitchens
Other
What is your dream concept? *
Please share your answer in 200-500 words.
What have you done so far to make your dream restaurant come to life? Why is it important for you to make this dream a reality? *
Please share your answer in 100-150 words.
What prevented you until now from making that dream a reality? What would help you make this a reality? *
What are your top three strengths as a chef and leader? *
What are areas you want to improve as a chef and a leader? *
Lease reaffirm the following statements to confirm you agree with these statements if selected to be part of the program. *
I agree that everything I share in this application is true.
I agree I'm a female chef in the DMV and at least 21 years of age.
I agree to being collaborative, open to feedback, authentic, diligent, and dedicated.
I agree to take part in the 3 month mentorship program and Pitch Day.
I agree to share a menu and restaurant concept that is wholly original and mine only.
I understand that any menu or restaurant concept I share during the program will remain mine.
We look forward to reading your application! Thank you for taking the time to share your dream and ideas with us. We appreciate it!
