Axe ’Em, Jacks!
Fall 2023 tickets for the Culinary Café have sold out.
The Culinary Café, a reservation-only learning laboratory featuring various cuisine themes each Tuesday and Thursday, will be open starting at 11:30 a.m., Oct. 3 at its facility at 1401 Mound St.
Tickets are $12 each and include a three-course lunch and a drink.
Previously the home of former U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, the facility was renovated in spring 2022 to preserve the home’s history and elegance while adding a state-of-the-art commercial kitchen.
Café seating is limited and sells out fast, so make reservations early. In an effort to accommodate more guests, the Culinary Café will observe open seating. Therefore, patrons may be seated with another party.
Please plan to arrive no later than 12:15 p.m. to ensure service. Parking is available in Commuter Lot 56 off Starr Avenue and North Fredonia Street. For information about parking, please contact Parking Services at 936.468.7275.
Parking map for the Culinary Café
On the day(s) of your reservation, bring your email confirmation printout with you for verification. If you do not receive an email confirmation, call 936.468.4502.
Fall 2023 dates and themes
Tuesday, Oct. 3: African - (Private Event)
Thursday, Oct. 5: Creole
Tuesday, Oct. 10: Country Cooking
Thursday, Oct. 12: Latin - (Private Event)
Tuesday, Oct. 17: Cajun
Thursday, Oct. 19: European - (Private Event)
Tuesday, Oct. 24: Fusion
Thursday, Oct. 26: Asian
Tuesday, Oct. 31: Texas BBQ
Thursday, Nov. 2: Fusion
Tuesday, Nov. 7: Latin - (Private Event)
Thursday, Nov. 9: Cajun - (Private Event)
Tuesday, Nov. 14: European
Thursday, Nov. 16: African
Tuesday, Nov. 28: Creole
Thursday, Nov. 30: Country Cooking
Tuesday, Dec. 5: Asian - (Private Event)
Thursday, Dec. 7: Texas BBQ
Student-run café serves up the world
SFA’s student-run Culinary Café gives hospitality administration majors an opportunity to advance their food service and entrepreneurial skills in a real-world, white tablecloth setting.
The Culinary Café is a learning laboratory and collaborative educational effort. Under the culinary direction of Chef Todd Barrios and the service direction of Dr. Mary Olle, students plan menus, prepare meals and serve a usually sold-out crowd. To add to the guest experience, students led by Leisha Bridwell plan and create floral arrangements for the space. The Café also features works from local artists connected to the university.
Open twice a week for lunch during the regular school year, the Culinary Café lets students explore globe-spanning cuisine, from Texas country cooking to Mediterranean specialties. The Culinary Café also hosts special events throughout the year for faculty and other guests.
All hospitality administration majors and some minors are required to participate in the Culinary Café. Students enrolled in Advanced Culinary Preparation Lab and Managing the Guest Experience Lab courses will have the opportunity to be the General Manager and Chef of the Day, helping prepare them for management level careers.