[FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE]
Houston Expands Commercial Kitchen Exhaust Cleaning Training
SERJobs with Fight Kitchen Fires, ltd co. prepares participants for careers supporting commercial kitchens.
HOUSTON, Feb. 11, 2026 – SERJobs has partnered with Fight Kitchen Fires Ltd. Co. to expand workforce training in the commercial kitchen exhaust cleaning industry, a specialized field driven by fire codes that require periodic inspection and cleaning of exhaust systems commonly found in, but not exclusive to, restaurants.
Fight Kitchen Fires, Ltd Co. delivers a 40-hour program that combines technical and safety standards, documentation practices and business fundamentals. Participants receive preparation for the Certified Exhaust Cleaning Specialist exam, administered by the International Kitchen Exhaust Cleaning Association. The CECS credential is recognized across the United States and Canada and is often required for U.S. federal, state, institutional and/or commercial contracts.
The partnership connects SERJobs’ IVTP (Incarcerate Veterans Transition Program) participants with an industry tied to one of the region’s largest economic sectors. In Texas, the foodservice sector generates more than $100 billion annually and employs more than 1.4 million people, according to the Texas Restaurant Association. The Houston region accounts for roughly 300,000 foodservice jobs across more than 13,000 establishments, based on regional economic data.
“Graduates gain the skills to start their own businesses and support requirements for commercial kitchen operators,” said Jonathan Campos, founder of Fight Kitchen Fires, Ltd Co.. “This industry exists to minimize and/or prevent fires. When industry standards are applied, it may help protect property, supports inspections and reduces fire risk.”
“At SERJobs, we believe that a person’s past should not dictate their future—especially for those who have fought for our country” said Liliana Rambo, SERJobs CEO. “By partnering with Fight Kitchen, we are bridging the gap between incarceration and meaningful reintegration. This collaboration combines our comprehensive transition services with Fight Kitchen Fire’s unique ability to provide hands-on, high-impact training. Together, we aren’t just offering jobs; we are providing our veterans with a renewed sense of purpose, a supportive community, and the professional tools they need to lead successful lives after service.”
About SERJobs for Progress
SER – Jobs for Progress of the Texas Gulf Coast, Inc. (SERJobs) was founded in 1965 through the combined efforts of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), the G.I. Forum, and the Department of the Navy. Since its establishment, SERJobs has helped individuals from low-income communities transform their lives through education, training, employment, and financial empowerment services. SERJobs has locations in Houston, Galveston and Fort Bend, serving individuals in need in over 13 counties across the Texas Gulf Coast.
About Fight Kitchen Fires Ltd. Co.
Fight Kitchen Fires is a Texas-based risk mitigation & consulting company specializing in commercial kitchen exhaust cleaning standards, fire code compliance and CECS exam preparation. The company works with industry professionals and workforce partners to support safe and compliant operations.
Media Contact:
Jonathan Campos
Fight Kitchen Fires Ltd. Co.
(346) 370-2770
support@fightkitchenfires.com
Sources
Greater Houston Partnership — “2025 Houston Region Economic Outlook”
https://wpb.houston.org/app/uploads/2025/12/2025-Houston-Region-Economic-Outlook.pdf
National Restaurant Association — “Restaurant Industry Poised for Growth in 2025”
https://restaurant.org/research-and-media/media/press-releases/restaurant-industry-poised-for-growth-in-2025-industry-expected-to-employ-15-9-million-people-and-r/
Texas Restaurant Association — “Texas Restaurant Association delivers wins for foodservice industry during 89th legislative session”
https://txrestaurant.org/Pub/pub/Tagged-Content/News/2025/TRA-delivers-wins-for-foodservice-industry-during-89th-legislative-session.aspx
