From Idea to Opening Day!

This project-based, hands-on class transforms big ideas into real-world skills. Students will step into the role of entrepreneur, build their own restaurant brand from scratch, and explore what it takes to launch and operate a successful restaurant business. Along the way, they learn how to think like business owners as they dive into real-world challenges like raising capital and managing food costs, operations, and customer service.

Students will work in groups to dream up a unique food concept, build a brand, design a menu, and create a startup budget. Each group will present their business ideas to a panel for feedback. During the semester, students will also have opportunities to participate in various on-campus fundraising ventures to raise capital for their “Restaurant Pop-Up” event, where they will work as a team to showcase their restaurant brand, serve dishes on their menu and create extraordinary experiences for their guests. This is the day they see all their ideas and hard work come to life!

Designed for Grades 6-12, this program blends creativity with practical and essential skills in budgeting, marketing, hospitality, and teamwork in a way that feels exciting and relevant. Restaurants have many moving parts, making them one of the best places to learn a broad range of skills. Each student will perform tasks aligned with their age range and skill sets, from back of house tasks like food prep/light cooking to front of house duties like bussing dishes, greeting guests or setting the table. Whether the student loves food, art, business, or just thinking outside the box, they’ll walk away more confident, more capable, and inspired to create.

No prior business experience is required—just creativity, curiosity, and a willingness to learn, collaborate and serve. Welcome to the world of hospitality!

What Students Gain:

• Entrepreneurial mindset and real-world business skills
• Knowledge on the foundations of restaurant operations
• Knowledge on food safety and proper food handling
• Experience working in a commercial kitchen
• Opportunities to practice teamwork, collaboration, communication, leadership and problem-solving
• Confidence in presenting and communicating ideas
• Creative thinking through branding, design, and storytelling

Required Materials and Equipment: 

• Laptop Computer, Smartphone or Tablet (i.e., iPad, etc.)
• Book: Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara ($16, Amazon Link: https://a.co/d/0f4N11rT)

Tuition: $300 per semester