“I would not be where I am today if it weren’t for Cathedral Kitchen.”
Chef Anthony Aponte’s journey to the kitchen didn’t begin with a passion for food; it began with a second chance and a community.
Growing up in Cape May, NJ, Anthony made some mistakes in his early years that led to a seven-year period of incarceration. As he neared the end of his sentence, he transitioned to a halfway house, where he was required to complete community service. That requirement ultimately led him to Cathedral Kitchen.
“Being away that long is isolating. I was a little anti-social,” Anthony shared. “But the way Chef Jonathon pushed me, had faith in me, and had me explaining my dishes helped bring me out of it.”
Anthony continued volunteering at Cathedral Kitchen for over a year, building relationships with staff, volunteers, and guests. Encouraged by Chef Jonathon and the team, Anthony enrolled in Cathedral Kitchen’s Culinary Arts Training (CAT) program after completing his community service.
“There is no program like Cathedral Kitchen’s Culinary Arts Training program,” he said. “I don’t know of a program that could give even close to the same amount of support and care that students receive through that program.”
Once in the program, Anthony was all in. He was constantly watching cooking videos, experimenting with recipes, and refining his skills outside the classroom. With determination, talent, and the support of the CAT program behind him, he thrived.
Anthony graduated as valedictorian of his class. Then, Anthony returned to Cathedral Kitchen in a new role: first as a cook and, after several promotions, Executive Sous Chef. For eight years, he worked alongside Chef Jonathon and the CAT students, mentoring others just as he had once been mentored.
“My purpose as a chef is to help and to give back. Just a conversation can save someone’s life, and I want to provide that.”
Today, Anthony is the proud owner of Maria Station Cafe, a growing culinary business located in Gloucester City, named in honor of his late mother. What started as a dream has become a thriving operation that includes a food truck, a brick-and-mortar restaurant, catering, and contract services—diversification inspired by the programs here at CK. Of the six employees at Maria Station, four are graduates of Cathedral Kitchen’s CAT program.
“I know how discouraged you can feel trying to start over, but keep trying. There is no such thing as failure. I put in effort day in and day out, and now I’m living a life I never would have imagined for myself back then.”
We’re thrilled to welcome him back on June 20th for our 50th Anniversary Community Celebration, where he’ll be serving food from the Maria Station food truck—a full-circle moment for a chef whose journey began right here at Cathedral Kitchen.
