An Emerging Culinary Star

Meet Edgard Sanchez. He’s a recent graduate from our Culinary Apprenticeship program. He’s also a military veteran who used VA Education Benefits to pay for his enrollment. The skills and talents Edgard honed in our program led him down an inspiring path of becoming an entrepreneur who has started his own food truck business.

Dream Infancy
Edgard was born and raised in New Orleans where his parents emigrated from Managua, Nicaragua.

“With Latin roots and a taste of what New Orleans had to offer, my mother would prepare some of the best meals I can remember,” he said.

As the youngest of six kids, he was a momma’s boy who always helped out in the kitchen. After high school, Edgard enlisted in the Marines. Due to a drawdown, he was unable to re-enlist after his four-year commitment.  He then enlisted in the Army and retired with an honorable discharge after 22 years of combined service.

Civilian Reboot
As he transitioned back into civilian life, Edgard started working in an Atlanta warehouse until a piece of mail changed his life.

“I received a flyer for KSU’s continuing education programs. When I flipped the pages, one caught my eye — the Culinary Apprenticeship Certificate program. I consolidated all my remaining [VA] benefits and managed to attend. Once again, my passion for cooking ignited as I was trained by a great instructor and several Sous Chefs at Park 75 at The Four Seasons, Atlanta.”

Coming to a Food Truck Park Near You
After graduating, Edgard teamed up with his friend Milt from the warehouse.  Edgard loved cooking, Milt loved eating at food trucks, and they both loved making money. It was a match made in heaven.  They developed a business partnership and Edgard followed his dream and bought a food truck.  He was also accepted into the Entrepreneurial Bootcamp for Veterans at Cornell University.

They recently had their food truck painted and wrapped with customized graphics promoting the new business. The process of obtaining funds, licenses, inspections and permits is under way as they plan on rolling out in Fulton County before eventually expanding.

“With a little help, I can continue this dream and provide a gourmet experience for foodies in the Atlanta area and travelers alike,” he said.

Edgard’s food truck business is called “C’est Tout Bon 2 Eat,” which means “It’s All Good To Eat.” He’s using French as he’ll be serving up Creole/Cajun food.

Menu Items

• New Orleans style foods
• PoBoys
• Crawfish pies
• Several other goodies

Where’s Edgard?
Like him on Facebook or follow him on Twitter @cesttoutbon2eat and bring your appetite!