CFCC Student Lands Internship at Two-Michelin-Star Virginia Restaurant

Kohl Pierson, an 18-year-old Cape Fear Community College culinary arts student, secured a summer internship at The Inn at Little Washington, a two-Michelin-star restaurant in Virginia's Rappahannock County.

Pierson, a recent Topsail High School graduate, connected with the opportunity through Evan Parker, his current chef at the Country Club of Landfall. Parker previously worked as executive sous chef at The Inn at Little Washington and encouraged Pierson to apply.

"He told me that if I ever wanted an internship there, to let him know," Pierson said. "I have to do one for my school, so we set it up."

After a day spent working in the restaurant's kitchen and touring the town, Pierson received an offer during dinner. The restaurant offered him any dish from the menu to celebrate.

"It was extremely nerve-wracking going up there," Pierson said. "When they pulled me into the office, they told me I could choose any dish I wanted. I was eating my food, and they were like, 'Hey, just letting you know, you have it.'"

Pierson first entered professional kitchens during his sophomore year at Topsail High School through an internship at Landfall. He returned his junior year for a line tech position and continues working there while pursuing his degree.

He enrolled in CFCC's culinary program through the Career and College Promise program during high school. After completing his degree, he plans to transfer to UNC Wilmington to pursue a bachelor's in hospitality.

The internship fulfills a work-based learning requirement for CFCC's culinary program. Pierson will be among the youngest interns at the restaurant.