Matthew Walker (2003 graduate)

Matthew Walker moved to San Francisco from Orange Country in a quest to find out what his career destiny was to be...

His first move was to take a waiter's job at CHenery Park, un upscale neighborhood restaurant a few blocks from CCSF. One education option Matt had at this time was to attend a private Culinary School. When he mentioned this to the Chef at Chenery Park, he was told to check out the program at City College instead.

Matt entered the CAHS program in 2001 and graduated two years later. Like many other students, Matt continued working while in the program, and by the time of graduation, had decided that he wanted to stay in the industry, but not in the kitchen. "The instructors at City College were realistic with us. We knew that we woudn't be opening our own restaurants as soon as we graduated."

A job offer presented itself shortly after graduation: developing and installing Point of Sale Systems for Foodservice Operations all across the country. Traveling to remote places and dealing with different types of people soon lost its attraction and Matt returned to the Bay Area and Chenery Park. At this point he was working in a Management capacity, overseeing the Front of the House.

In early 2006, Matt learned of a restaurant on Eighteenth and Noe Streets which was for sale. He persuaded the owners of Chenery park that it might be a good investment. They agreed, and gave Matt partnership interest in the business.

Eureka Restaurant & Lounge opened in early 2007. The restaurant is both a special occasion, destination type place, with French influenced California cuisine, and a casual "non-bar" type lounge. Since opening, Matt has employed some of our students to work in the Eureka kitchen - he knows what good workers they are.

Matt invites you to stop by for a drink, dinner or Sunday Brunch.

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