Former Tri-C Culinary Arts Student Selected for James Beard Networking Program

Chef Daniel Bolaños to participate in 12-week mentoring initiative

A former Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C^®) student and Northeast Ohio chef has made the cut. Daniel Bolaños, the chef and owner of the mobile restaurant Saed, was one of 10 chefs chosen nationwide for the James Beard Legacy Network Program.

Bolaños was enrolled in Tri-C's Culinary Arts program in 2016 and 2017 and has worked at several restaurants in the region.

"One of my goals is to be mentored by a James Beard-Award winning chef and learn how to become one," Bolaños said to Cleveland.com. "I want to get involved with the James Beard Foundation and learn to grow this business."

Founded in 2021, the James Beard Foundation's Legacy Network Program is a 12‑week mentoring initiative designed to cultivate leadership and professional growth in the culinary industry.

Through the virtual program, Bolaños will collaborate with an experienced mentor and fellow participants while advancing his skills and leadership potential. The program supports chefs from underrepresented backgrounds — Bolaños is Hispanic, with family roots in Guatemala.

"It's a great opportunity," he said. "I'm honored and humbled to be a part of it."

Learn more about the Culinary Arts program and the School of Business, Legal Professions and Hospitality on the Tri-C website.

Read the entire story on cleveland.com.

January 28, 2026

By Anthony Moujaes, 216-987-3068 or anthony.moujaes@tri-c.edu