The Fifteen Foundation, founded by the culinary whiz, has picked a city-centre site and is already working with various organisations in Leeds on the project.

But the charity's trustees say winning support from Leeds business people is the make-or-break step – essential if they are to bring their unique slice of socially-responsible dining to the city.

The Fifteen Foundation helps disadvantaged young people into the catering industry by combining a top-class restaurant with on-the-job tutoring in its training kitchen.

It is holding meetings with key figures from Yorkshire firms next month and the charity's board – which includes national treasure Jamie – will make its final decision in June.

Liam Black, leader of the Fifteen team working on the Leeds project, said: "We would love the fifth restaurant in the Fifteen family to be in Leeds."

He added: "We have located a great site in the city centre and are excited by the fantastic food culture in Yorkshire.

"Leeds is a vibrant city but there are still many young people in need of the kind of huge boost which Fifteen provides."

Leeds is believed to be the only city in the frame and it is thought the site is part of the Granary Wharf development by ISIS Waterside Regeneration.

Alastair Dickens, managing director of ISIS, said: "We have been working with Fifteen for some time and have identified a great location within the Granary Wharf scheme."

Paula Dupuy, director of the charity, and trustee Baroness Thornton of Manningham are holding information sessions on May 9 at several Leeds locations, one of which is expected to be the Yorkshire Post building.

Mr Black said the meetings would be crucial in determining whether a Yorkshire Fifteen would become a reality.

"We are working closely with our partner the Leeds Community Foundation and we have the backing of the Leeds City Council, who have been hugely helpful."

He added: "We've also had great support from Yorkshire Forward and Thomas Danby College.

"But to make this happen, we really need local businesses to help us too in the form of corporate sponsorship."

The launch of Fifteen London was captured on camera for the award-winning Channel 4 series, Jamie's Kitchen.

It opened in 2002 and since then three others have opened and become successful social businesses – in Amsterdam, Cornwall and Melbourne.

Each restaurant is run alongside a charity to which it gives its profits.

That charity then funds training for up to 45 local youngsters a year to become apprentices in the eatery and gain a qualification towards a catering career.

Although Jamie Oliver is a trustee of the foundation he is not involved in day-to-day running of the restaurants.