Fifteen Melbourne

Fifteen Melbourne logo

Fifteen Melbourne was a restaurant located in Melbourne, Australia. It was part of the Fifteen Foundation, a social enterprise founded by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver. The restaurant aimed to provide training and employment opportunities for disadvantaged young people, helping them to build careers in the hospitality industry.

History[edit | edit source]

Fifteen Melbourne opened its doors in 2006, following the success of the original Fifteen restaurant in London. The Melbourne branch was established with the same mission: to offer a fresh start to young people who had faced various challenges in life, such as homelessness, substance abuse, or a lack of education.

Concept[edit | edit source]

The concept behind Fifteen Melbourne was to combine a high-quality dining experience with a social mission. The restaurant served contemporary Australian cuisine with an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients. The young trainees, known as apprentices, worked under the guidance of professional chefs and received both practical and theoretical training in the culinary arts.

Training Program[edit | edit source]

The training program at Fifteen Melbourne was rigorous and comprehensive. It included:

Practical kitchen skills
Food safety and hygiene
Menu planning and development
Customer service
Life skills and personal development

The program typically lasted for 12 months, after which the apprentices were equipped with the skills and experience needed to pursue careers in the hospitality industry.

Closure[edit | edit source]

Despite its noble mission and initial success, Fifteen Melbourne faced financial difficulties. The restaurant eventually closed in 2009. The closure was attributed to various factors, including the high costs associated with running a social enterprise and the economic downturn at the time.

Legacy[edit | edit source]

Although Fifteen Melbourne is no longer in operation, its impact on the lives of its apprentices and the broader community remains significant. Many of the young people who trained at the restaurant have gone on to have successful careers in the hospitality industry.