South Side barbecue restaurant allows kids to run kitchen for a day

CHICAGO (WLS) -- An aspiring chef got the chance to manage and run his own restaurant Thursday, and he's only 10 years old.

Sanders BBQ Supply was named one of the best restaurants in America this year by the New York Times, and the owner is using the national recognition to give back to the youth.

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Sanders BBQ was under new management Thursday.

Chance Blake, 10, was running the place. The owner said it's an effort to inspire future chefs and entrepreneurs.

"Well it first started off with, when I wanted to be a chef, that was about 9. That's when I got really into cooking. Ten is my strongest age of cooking," Blake said.

Keith Pye works at Blake's school, and would often hear Blake talking about becoming a chef one day.

"I basically saw Mr. Sanders, and I told him about Chance. And he was so enthusiastic about saying, 'hey, bring him by,'" Pye said.

Owner James Sanders not only welcomed Blake into his Beverly business, but he let him take over.

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"I started off the same way as Chance as a 9-year-old, hungry to be a chef. I always enjoyed cooking," Sanders said. "I just want to spark the passion for kids, and just try to help them out as much as I can."

Blake's favorite part of the day was the customers.

"Chance is very articulate, very funny, very helpful. I could take him home," Juanita Smith said.

His dad watched his son live out his dreams with pride.

"You made me and your mother proud today, to see you working today; it's a dream come true," Colie Blake said.

"You know, you have a dream, you pursue it, and then you'll have opportunities. I don't think anything will make me like give up that dream," Chance Blake said.

Sanders says he's hoping to work with more than 30 students in the new year.

To learn more about the program, and to nominate a student to run the restaurant for the day, visit https://sandersbbqsupply.com/page/contact-us.