Starting in January 2025, the Academy of Culinary Arts invited industry partners who attend our quarterly advisory board meetings to stay and participate in a small group roundtable discussion about the Culinary & Hospitality industry. For an hour and a half, academy students talked with Nick Massie, General Manager and Co-Owner of Blackfly the Restaurant and The Collage, Dr. David Rivera, Flagler College Director of Hospitality & Tourism Management, and Chef Sebastian Sikora, Chef de Cuisine at La Cocina at the Cellar Upstairs. This informal conversation captured inquiries from the students regarding best practices in customer service, cost and profit margins, menu planning, work ethic and body language, interview tips, and building partnerships that last. Dedicated industry partners mentoring students is paramount to building their confidence and future success. THANK YOU, Mr. Massie, Dr. Rivera, and Chef Sikora!
