U.S. Bank Supports Culinary Education: Students Gain Insight from Industry Leaders
For many individuals, the most valuable lessons in life come from on-the-job learning. U.S. Bank is aiding this experiential learning by supporting the California Restaurant Foundation's "Experience Hospitality" initiative, which provides job training for high school students aiming for careers in the restaurant industry.
This forward-thinking program recently offered 500 students statewide the chance to visit the headquarters of a prominent California-based hospitality company. These students are all part of the ProStart program, a two-year, industry-supported culinary arts and restaurant management course for high schoolers. The tours included visits to renowned brands such as Wienerschnitzel and Pacifica Hotels.
Alongside the tours, students enjoyed lunch and had the opportunity to hear from founders, head chefs, presidents, and executives in finance, marketing, human resources, and other operational roles.
In Ventura, California, students toured Urbane Café's offices, a burgeoning fast-casual restaurant chain known for its hearty salads and sandwiches made in a hearth oven. They met with founder and CEO Tom Holt and his team of executives and employees. Holt shared the company's origins and the core principles that emphasize service.
“Our goal is for every customer to leave with a satisfying experience,” said Holt. “This includes not only enjoying a healthy meal made with quality ingredients but also feeling at home and eager to return.”
Holt emphasized the importance of training employees to focus on the small details that create memorable customer experiences. This customer-centric approach was echoed by the employees who spoke, highlighting the company's dedication to service.
During the tours, students also interacted with a team of small business specialists from U.S. Bank to learn about starting a business, including elements of a business plan and various ways to secure funding. U.S. Bank, a proud supporter of the California Restaurant Foundation since 2017, was encouraged by the high level of engagement in the inaugural Experience Hospitality event.
“U.S Bank is proud to support the Experience Hospitality program as part of our efforts to encourage workforce development in California,” said Rockette Ewell, vice president and U.S. Bank community affairs manager for California. “Our team is passionate about sharing financial literacy insights with students and delighted to join them on the immersive and enriching behind the scenes tours that are sure to open new doors and broaden career horizons.”
This forward-thinking program recently offered 500 students statewide the chance to visit the headquarters of a prominent California-based hospitality company. These students are all part of the ProStart program, a two-year, industry-supported culinary arts and restaurant management course for high schoolers. The tours included visits to renowned brands such as Wienerschnitzel and Pacifica Hotels.
Alongside the tours, students enjoyed lunch and had the opportunity to hear from founders, head chefs, presidents, and executives in finance, marketing, human resources, and other operational roles.
In Ventura, California, students toured Urbane Café's offices, a burgeoning fast-casual restaurant chain known for its hearty salads and sandwiches made in a hearth oven. They met with founder and CEO Tom Holt and his team of executives and employees. Holt shared the company's origins and the core principles that emphasize service.
“Our goal is for every customer to leave with a satisfying experience,” said Holt. “This includes not only enjoying a healthy meal made with quality ingredients but also feeling at home and eager to return.”
Holt emphasized the importance of training employees to focus on the small details that create memorable customer experiences. This customer-centric approach was echoed by the employees who spoke, highlighting the company's dedication to service.
During the tours, students also interacted with a team of small business specialists from U.S. Bank to learn about starting a business, including elements of a business plan and various ways to secure funding. U.S. Bank, a proud supporter of the California Restaurant Foundation since 2017, was encouraged by the high level of engagement in the inaugural Experience Hospitality event.
“U.S Bank is proud to support the Experience Hospitality program as part of our efforts to encourage workforce development in California,” said Rockette Ewell, vice president and U.S. Bank community affairs manager for California. “Our team is passionate about sharing financial literacy insights with students and delighted to join them on the immersive and enriching behind the scenes tours that are sure to open new doors and broaden career horizons.”
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