We welcomed a new class of students on Dec. 18 to begin their intensive three-week orientation learning about food sanitation and safety, culinary math, the EDWINS menu and the foundations of guest relations.
Once they start their hands-on training in the dining room and kitchen, an important part of their education is helping them figure just what they’d like to do after graduating. Perhaps bartending, or cooking on the line? Catering and banquets, or traditional restaurant serving? Fine dining or maybe the fast-pace of a busy diner?
We also aim to help students learn about culinary jobs outside of the restaurant world, and we were happy to welcome Ashley Amodeo to talk about her role as an R&D Technician at Dawn Foods in Jackson, Michigan.
After graduating from Johnson and Wales, Ashley worked in restaurants but realized she could pair her passion for food and science. She obtained a position at Dawn Foods, which creates high-quality bakery ingredients and products for bakeries, food service and food manufactures. Dawn Foods produces cake mixes, icing, gluten-free baking mixes, syrups and so much more. The company has operated for nearly 100 years!
Ashley shared that in her role, she analyzes the mixes to ensure they have the proper amount of ingredients and works with customers to adjust mixes to meet their needs and requests. How cool is that?
We love sharing culinary career opportunities with our students, and Ashley helped them see that there are even more options available to them.
Thanks, Ashley!
Ashley (left) and Director of Development Valerie Maczak-Grim (right)
If you have cool culinary career that you’d like to share with our students, contact Valerie Maczak-Grim at Valerie@edwinsrestaurant.org / (330) 268-7400 to arrange a visit!