The Burnt Chef Project: Breaking the Stigma in Hospitality

As anyone who has spent any time in it at all, will be happy to tell you, the hospitality industry is one of the most high-pressure, fast-paced work environments in the world.

Long hours, high stress and relentless demand create a culture of endurance over well-being, leading to a silent epidemic of mental health struggles. The Burnt Chef Project (BCP) is a nonprofit social enterprise on a mission to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health in the hospitality sector by providing support, education and resources for professionals across the industry.

Founded to tackle the often-overlooked issue of mental health in kitchens, bars and other service environments, BCP offers free, 24/7 mental health support, professional training, and initiatives aimed at fostering healthier workplaces in hospitality. Their work has been transformative in raising awareness, supporting struggling individuals, and advocating for systemic change in the industry.

Stalwart Crafts & The Burnt Chef Project: A Shared Commitment

At Stalwart Crafts, the team understands the intense demands of professional kitchens and the mental toll they can take. That’s why they have partnered with The Burnt Chef Project to actively raise awareness, fund mental health initiatives, and provide real, tangible support to those in the hospitality industry.

As part of their commitment, Stalwart Crafts has developed a limited-edition branded apron in collaboration with BCP, and a portion of every sale will go directly to supporting mental health advocacy and crisis response services for hospitality workers.

This partnership isn’t just about selling a product - it’s about contributing to real change in an industry that thrives on passion but often overlooks personal well-being, and is a cause that the team at Stalwart Crafts is committed to.

Warrior Garden’s Connection to BCP

At Warrior Garden, we believe that open-fire cooking isn’t just about food - it’s about connection, ritual and mental well-being. The firepit has long been a place of reflection, community and resilience. Hospitality workers, chefs and pitmasters alike often find solace in the craft of cooking, yet they, like many others, face significant mental health challenges behind the scenes.

By supporting The Burnt Chef Project, Warrior Garden stands with Stalwart Crafts in championing mental health awareness. Just as we promote discipline, self-care and personal growth, we recognize the importance of supporting those who dedicate their lives to crafting incredible food experiences for others, and supporting their mental health and wellbeing as much as their physical health and professional development.

This is exactly why our partnership with Stalwart Crafts is so valuable to us. It’s about more than just their fine leather products - its about supporting the idea that strength isn’t really physical, it’s mental.

How You Can Support The Burnt Chef Project

• Access Free Mental Health Support: if you or someone you know in hospitality is struggling, free, 24/7 mental health support is available through BCP is available here

• Explore BCP’s Educational Resources: enhance workplace well-being with BCP’s training, workshops, and tools designed for hospitality professionals. Visit BCP's home page to find out more.

• Participate in Mental Health Surveys: help improve industry-wide mental health initiatives by contributing to BCP’s research studies. Take the Mental Health Survey

• Become a Mental Health Ambassador: if you too are passionate about this cause, you can join the movement to eradicate mental health stigma in hospitality. Learn More.

• Support Through Merchandise: purchase The Burnt Chef Project x Stalwart Crafts Apron, with proceeds going directly toward mental health advocacy. Coming soon!

• Spread Awareness: share BCP’s mission, talk about mental health in your workplace, and help make the hospitality industry a healthier, more supportive space for all by checking our their socials.

🔥 Join us in making a difference, because every warrior needs a moment of rest, and every chef deserves peace of mind.