The Modern Brigade
Modern Brigade is a mentorship community for chefs and cooks who want to dial in their fitness, restore work-life balance, and level up their careers and finances — without sacrificing health or long-term stability.
Join the CommunityBuilt for people who want longevity in this industry
I share 25 years of hard-won lessons from professional kitchens to help you build a strong body, a balanced life, and a sustainable career — not just survive another service.
Cooks
Who want to regain work-life balance and level up their careers and finances.
Chefs
Who want to grow and understand the systems and processes behind a restaurant.
Owners
Who want financial systems, full seats, smarter menu pricing, and a path to scale.
The Four Pillars of Success
Every week I host a live call on one pillar, with Q&A so you walk away with clear, actionable next steps.
Fitness
Chefs are athletes. Workouts, stretches, and group challenges so your body isn't an afterthought.
Family
Boundaries, self-care, and systems so your career supports your relationships instead of competing with them.
Food
The business of food — team communication, menu design, costing, and consistent execution.
Finances
Personal money plus restaurant economics — pricing, margins, and labor — so you earn more and keep it.
What's Included
- Private Community — connect with serious chefs and cooks committed to getting better.
- Weekly Live Mentorship — direct access to Chef James and 25+ years of experience.
- Career & Life Systems Training — lead better, manage stress, and build balance.
- Playbooks, Templates & Systems — training, time management, career and financial planning.
- Challenges & Prizes — built around the four pillars, rewarding members who show up.
- Networking — a tight-knit group that holds the line on standards and progress.
- Job Opportunities — positions from restaurant owners nationwide, exclusive to members.
Join the Modern Brigade
- Private Community
- Weekly Live Mentorship
- Playbooks & Templates
- Challenges, Networking & Jobs
“Chef James Avery is one of the most talented and inspiring chefs I’ve ever had the privilege to learn from. I truly couldn’t have done it without him. What started as mentorship has turned into a genuine friendship, and I’m grateful to have someone like Chef Avery in my corner.”
Meet Chef James Avery
From delivering pizzas on the Jersey Shore to Atlantic City's top kitchens, James trained under David Burke, Michael Mina, and Gordon Ramsay — serving multiple seasons as on-camera sous chef on FOX's Hell's Kitchen, with appearances on Kitchen Nightmares and 24 Hours to Hell and Back.
He has owned and operated acclaimed restaurants including The Bonney Read and The Black Swan in Asbury Park, NJ. His mission: help chefs build a successful, balanced life through fitness, family, food, and finances.
Build a career that doesn't burn you out
Join the Modern Brigade today for $19.99/month.
Join the Brigade