Skip to Main Content

12th Annual Grand Opening of SCOE Culinary Café

Students Operate Café and Learn Life Skills through Vocational Program

Culinary Arts students

The Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) proudly announces the 12th annual grand re-opening of the Culinary Café, one of Sacramento County's best-kept dining secrets.

An invitation-only lunch was held on October 12. This classroom-based instructional program provides students with opportunities to reinforce their newly acquired skills in food preparation, storage and handling, teamwork, and customer service. The Café is a project of SCOE and operated through its Special Education Department and Regional Occupational Program.

Students taking part in the LINKS Culinary Arts program learn to prepare meals, serve customers, maintain a clean kitchen, and operate a business. They are young people who have difficulty managing in a conventional school environment. One of the main goals behind the program is to teach students important skills designed to help them find employment some day.

In addition to their regular academic studies, students attend class in the school's home economics lab to gain mastery of entry-level skills in the foodservice profession. Many students attain jobs in the culinary field or use the vocational and social skills they have acquired to help them further their education.

The Culinary Café will be open to the public from noon to 1 p.m. on Tuesdays beginning October 19. The Café is expected to open on Thursdays later in the school year. For the low cost of only $6, weekly lunch offerings include a main course, vegetable, salad, beverage, and dessert. Gratuities for students are always appreciated. All proceeds return to the program.

Lunch seating is available for 30 people. Reservations are required and can be made by calling the Café at (916) 566-2039. A calendar and menu are available online.

The Culinary Café is located on the campus of Leo A. Palmiter Jr./Sr. High School, 2040 Ethan Way, near Cottage Way and Howe Avenue, three blocks north of Arden Fair Mall.

Instructor helping student serve food
Student server smiling