BEDFORD, NH – Nothing beats hands-on experience, particularly when those hands are interested in working in the hospitality industry. That’s why, on April 12, some 25 enthusiastic Culinary Arts students from Manchester School of Technology will be getting a behind-the-scenes look at possible career paths in the hospitality industry. It is an experience provided again this year by Chef Chris Volkmann of the Copper Door Restaurant in Bedford.
Why is this so important? According to the National Restaurant Association, half of all Americans have worked in the restaurant industry at some point in their lives. Restaurants provide entry-level and first-time jobs for our youths, giving them valuable lifelong learning on how to work as part of a team.
In 2015, Tom Boucher, CEO of Copper Door’s parent company Great NH Restaurants, said that he decided to extend the invitation to the Manchester School of Technology Culinary Special Needs Program after learning about the local technical school’s inclusive programs. At the school, instructors and students from the general population team up with students who have special needs, preparing school breakfasts, snacks and lunches. In doing so, the program encourages children with developmental disabilities to sharpen their skills by exposing them to opportunities in the culinary arts.
“It’s amazing what they do there,” Boucher said of the program. “I was quite moved. We are so happy to have them back again this year.”
Mike Holfelder, a chef instructor at Manchester School of Technology who oversees the Culinary Special Needs Program, said the trip to the Copper Door is truly an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for some of his students. “Last year’s event was so meaningful for the students, we are extremely excited to have the opportunity to do it again this year with even more students,” Holfelder said. “I just can’t thank the Copper Door enough for this truly unique effort.”
The program shows the students that it takes a lot of people to make a restaurant successful. The students tour the “back of the house” prep room, front line and meet staff members. They are introduced to the various staff positions, the different duties of the cooks and wait staff, as well as the various tasks and responsibilities of each. Throughout the tour Chef Volkmann explains how important team work is, creating a positive work environment and respect. Volkmann is a natural at visiting with the youth and not only gives them a tour, but treats them to a delicious three-course lunch as they talk about the industry. The students are typically filled with great questions. Each student receives a certificate for successfully completing a “Culinary Tour of the Copper Door.”
Great NH Restaurants operates five T-BONES Great American Eatery locations: Bedford, Salem, Hudson, Derry and Laconia, two Cactus Jack’s Great West Grill locations: Laconia and Manchester, and the Copper Door Restaurant in Bedford, NH. For more information on the Copper Door Restaurant which is located at 15 Leavy Drive in Bedford, NH visit www.CopperDoorRestaurant.com or call (603) 488-2677.
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