The cook is the latest young starter to be assisted with his dreams in the form of pop-up restaurants to open in North Wollongong on March 19, and hopefully Moss Vale in coming months.

In the past five years the Mr Carter has appeared on the reality television program Kids Masterchef, has embarked embarked on work experience at numerous top restaurants in Sydney and Melbourne (such as Vue De Monde) and was even offered help with a pop-up restaurant by the Australian Good Food Guide.

He said in his quest for success he’s been approaching many great eateries around the Illawarra for assistance though not all return his calls.

Diggies in North Wollongong did, and have offered him their kitchen for a day to produce a pop-up restaurant. The menu he solely curated with produce being sourced from Popes Produce in Woonona and Piccolo Farm at Thirlmere.

“I feel like recipes aren’t as important as a full menu is. A menu tells a story more than a dish,” he said. “You need to have a flow to the menu … this one I started by walking through the farms and getting ideas.”

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Mr Carter also works alongside Aaron Teece at Studio Neon, a Sydney catering company offering bespoke catering options to high end clients. He expects to continue working there until he finishes his commerce degree at the University of Wollongong, something he’s undertaking to fully understand the business side of running a successful restaurant.

“I’ll probably finish my commerce degree and then continue to work in restaurants until I can afford to open one,” he said.

It’s just another example of business owners helping jump-start the careers of ambition young people.

In January the Illawarra Mercury reported chef Calum Howlett, 23, was taking over Thirroul’s a la carte eatery Samuel’s (now renamed as Burnt) on a trial agreement from its owners. If Mr Howlett’s venture proves successful after several months he will then look to buying the business outright.