The culinary staffing and training business Snapchef has opened an office and hiring center in Springfield, in its first expansion into Western Massachusetts.
The Dorchester-based company, which placed 13,000 people with jobs last year, bills itself as the largest firm of its time in New England and has worked with Foxwoods, Hyatt and Boston Children's Hospital, according to Boston Magazine.
And now Western Mass. residents seeking work in the culinary industry have a new place to train and receive job placements in Springfield.
"Downtown Springfield provides Snapchef with a centralized location that will help our company increase its ability to attract talent and serve clientele," Snapchef CEO, Todd Snopkowski said in a statement. "Our close work with the City of Springfield, the Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development, and legislative leaders made the expansion into Springfield an easy decision. We appreciate the support that Snapchef has received during this expansion from the Springfield Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Western Massachusetts Economic Development Council, and Develop Springfield."
Snapchef, which also has offices in Worcester and Providence, provides training for temporary and permanent work, including culinary skills and safety certifications.
Brian Connors, Springfield's Deputy Director of Economic Development, said the city had not provided any financial incentives to Snapchef but had worked with the company to facilitate the expansion.
"We've been introducing them to folks and helping them about with their desire to be here," Connors said. "I think they saw the expanding hospitality industry here in Springfield and there's an opportunity put people to work in that industry here."
The company's focus is on major employers like hospitals and colleges, Connors said.
"That's really what their niche is, the large scale kitchens," Connors said.
Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno praised the move in a statement.
"I am deeply appreciative of Snapchef's belief and investment in our Springfield," Sarno said. "They bring unique and creative options towards our workforce development aspects."
Snapchef's office is located at 174 Worthington St.