Is CASA legit? The facts

Yes, CASA, the Chef Apprentice Studio of the Arts, is a real US culinary mentorship program run by Dream Career Connection. You learn to cook one-on-one from a working chef, usually inside the restaurant kitchen where they cook, with chef mentors in cities across the US.

The short answers

Is CASA accredited?

No. CASA is a mentorship program, not a college. It is not accredited by any education accrediting agency, and it does not award degrees.

Is CASA still open?

Yes. CASA chefs are teaching mentees right now, and new applications are taken through this site and at 229-949-2676.

Who runs CASA?

Dream Career Connection, the parent company of Recording Connection, Film Connection, Radio Connection and CASA. Its owner, Jimi Petulla, started the first of these programs, Radio Connection, in 1983.

Where is CASA?

The head office is at 6300 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 640, Los Angeles, CA 90048, the address on our Los Angeles Google listing. Your training is in person, usually in the kitchen where your chef works.

How long has CASA been around?

CASA is part of the Dream Career Connection family of programs, which has mentored people since the 1980s.

How the mentorship works

Matching. A mentee advisor asks what you want to cook and where you live, then looks for a chef near you. You meet the chef and decide together before you start.

One-on-one. Your private lessons usually take place in a commercial kitchen, often while the restaurant is closed or slow, with your chef beside you.

A typical week. Between lessons you practice at home, and you spend time in a working kitchen putting what you learn into practice. You set the schedule with your chef.

How to check us yourself

  • Google. Our Los Angeles listing, at 6300 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 640, has more than 30 reviews: see it on Google. CASA listings on Google carry more than 50 reviews in all.
  • Mentee reviews and stories. Read what mentees say on our reviews page and our success stories page.
  • Kitchens. The open Google listings for the Dream Career Connection programs, CASA’s kitchens included, are on one map at dreamcareerconnection.com/studios.
  • Phone. Call 229-949-2676. Before you commit, ask for your chef’s name, the kitchen, the weekly schedule and the full cost, in writing.

What we do not promise

We do not promise a job, a job placement or any other outcome. CASA is one-on-one training with a working chef. What you build from it is up to you.

Last updated November 3, 2026.

Part of the Dream Career Connection family.