New Orleans is recognized as a top U.S. and global dining destination. But did you know that the city is also home to an outstanding, accredited culinary school? New Orleans Culinary & Hospitality Institute (NOCHI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that offers 100-day certificate programs in culinary arts and baking arts that cover 25 subjects and 650 hours of practical instruction. www.nochi.org
NOCHI was co-founded in 2013 by Ti Adelaide Martin, daughter of the late Ella Brennan and co-owner of Commander’s Palace, Dickie Brennan, owner of multiple Brennan restaurants, and developer George Brower to provide education, training and skills help students pursue culinary and hospitality careers.
As part of their graduation, NOCHI Students conceived and staff a pop-up restaurant on-site for several weeks.
We have had the pleasure of touring NOCHI and attending events including the seasonal on-site pop-up restaurants that graduating students conceive and run. The next pop-up for the Fall class of 2026 is called Yatai and will celebrate Asian street food culture. The name Yatai refers to an Asian street food wooden cart on wheels.
In addition to NOCHI’s six month culinary and pastry arts certification programs, the institute offers customized Hospitality Investment Training (HIT) programs designed to teach students how to elevate the guest and client experience. Examples include Serving Up Hospitality, a flexible six-seminar series produced in partnership with New Orleans & Company, and a two-day Hospitality Leadership Academy designed for new and aspiring managers and frontline employees. In the beverage arena, NOCHI offered the Diageo Learning Skills for Life bartending fellowship that provides hands-on training for aspiring bartenders. For the general public, NOCHI offers enthusiast classes that take interactive deep dives into kitchen fundamentals, international cuisine and regional foodways.
NOCHI is located at 725 Howard Street in New Orleans Central Business District. www.nochi.org
NOCHI President and CEO Gerald Duhon leads NOCHI’s educational and event staff, programs, expansion and execution of the institute’s mission to educate a diverse community of learners to sustain an ever-evolving hospitality industry. A lifelong New Orleans native, Duhon has a thirty-plus year career working in nonprofit management, workforce development and food service. Prior to joining NOCHI, Duhon spent six years as executive director at Café Reconcile, a nonprofit that helps young adults meet their goals through foundational and workforce training.
Gerald Duhon, CEO/President, NOCHI
On The Connected Table podcast, Gerald Duhon explains what he feels distinguishes New Orleans hospitality from other cities. “Hospitality is a special culture here. In New Orleans, you grow up with the spirit of hospitality spirit starting with preparing and sharing food and customers.” he shared.
Watch the full episode on The Connected Table TV on YouTube
Listen to the audio podcast here:
In 2025, Melanie visited NOCHI and met some of the graduating pastry students.