NEWS RELEASE: Roseville High School Culinary Arts Program Readies Food Trailer

The Roseville High School Culinary Arts program is adding another tool to its arsenal. The “Panther Bites” food trailer will hit the road this fall, giving students real-world, hands-on experience in the culinary arts/hospitality management field.

Roseville High School Culinary Arts teacher Shawn Thompson said the trailer is designed to give students experience working in a realistic food service setting while also being flexible enough to serve different types of menus and events. “We wanted something that would allow students to move beyond the classroom and actually serve customers, prepare food in a fast-paced environment, and learn what it takes to operate a food business.”

The “Panther Bites” trailer is fully equipped with the tools and appliances found in a professional mobile kitchen, including cooking equipment, refrigeration, food prep space, storage, serving windows, and safety features needed to operate efficiently. It also features two large, eye-catching smokers mounted on the rear of the trailer.

Thompson said the initial goal for the new trailer is to get students comfortable with its operation, building consistency, and participating in community events. “The trailer will be at sporting events at the RHS sports complex when available, making appearances at city events, and visiting schools throughout the district during the week. We also want to continue developing menus and strengthening customer service skills.” He added that he hopes the trailer becomes a staple of the program. “We want to be something that provides ongoing learning opportunities, partnerships with local organizations, and pathways for students interested in culinary arts, hospitality, entrepreneurship, or small business ownership.”

Thompson said the trailer teaches students much more than cooking. “They learn teamwork, communication, time management, customer service, problem-solving, food safety, and business operations.” He added that it also gives them confidence and experience working under pressure in a real-world environment. “These are skills that can help them not only in culinary careers, but also in almost any profession they pursue in the future.”

RHS Principal Jason Bettin said the trailer provides an excellent opportunity for students to strengthen their career readiness by combining the cooking and service skills already embedded in the Hospitality Management program’s curriculum with entrepreneurial skills presented in a new, hands-on way. “It can be very difficult for someone to open a restaurant because of the costs involved, but a food truck is a more accessible entry point into the food service industry and business ownership. The addition of this trailer will allow us to teach students the skills needed to succeed while benefiting not only our students and school, but the community as well.”

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