Barron’s Restaurant, an on-campus restaurant operated, managed and staffed by students from two Conrad N. Hilton College courses, has opened with its first summer menu.
Established in 1989, Barron’s is open for the first time during the summer semesters. Food and beverage service students form the staff, while advanced food and beverage management students operate the restaurant. Faculty advisor, Kristi Baker, began overseeing Barron’s last Fall.
“I have the opportunity to teach the students in a practical hands-on environment and to share my passion with the industry’s next set of leaders,” Baker said. “Barron’s Restaurant is a learning lab, and we’re not meant to make a profit. We’re here to teach you what running a restaurant is supposed to be like.”
Baker described the precise details in cooking the dishes to create a unique and delicious experience.
“I consider myself a foodie and am very picky about food, so if I wouldn’t eat it, we don’t send it out,” Baker said. “We also strive for pricing that will appeal to students and food that will please anyone.”
Hotel and restaurant management junior Katie Proctor said that her favorite dish on Barron’s menu was the Texas Twister, a sandwich topped with hot garlic tenders between toast.
“It’s absolutely delicious. In addition to fantastic made-to-order food, visitors (to the restaurant) can expect attentive service, friendly and knowledgeable students and a comfy atmosphere,” Proctor said.
Hotel and restaurant management senior Duy Nguyen explained the benefits to students having the opportunity to work as washers, chefs and hosts.
“It’s such a great experience, because we can fully understand how to run a restaurant,” Nguyen said. “One day, you’re the expediter, and you have to lead the team in making sure all the food comes out correctly. The next day, you’re meeting all sorts of people as a host.”
Many students have expressed a positive reaction to the new menu.
“Barron’s has exceeded my expectations,” said kinesiology junior Felipe Arismendi. “The quality of our food was very good for such low prices.”
Located in the Conrad N. Hilton College, Barron’s Restaurant will be open 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday until June 28, and will re-open on July 15 until Aug. 2.
