YES CHEF: Lake Marion culinary students open own cafe

SANTEE, SC (WOLO) — Many high school students work in the food industry outside of school, but few get to run their own business.

That’s the opportunity Lake Marion Technology Center students are now getting thanks to a new project.

Friday morning, Lake Marion culinary arts students cut the ribbon on a restaurant of their own, The Gator Cafe.

“Everything is student led. I’m just here to help them with whatever they need,” said Lake Marion culinary instructor Sophia Brown. “Everything on the menu was chosen by the students.”

The Gator Cafe will be open weekdays from 11 to 2.

“We’ll do special days such as Taco Tuesday and fish fries on Friday,” Brown said .”It is open to teachers and staff and eventually it will be open to the community.”

The project helps students further their cooking skills for future careers or competitions.

“The students in there working now compete on the state and national level. We are getting ready for a competition at the end of March,” Brown said. “It’s hands-on, real world experience. A lot of them desire to be chefs so this is good practice for them.”

The Gator Cafe is managed by senior student Alonte Jackson.

“It entails a lot. As manager, you have to learn how to communicate with everybody and solve any disruptions,” said Jackson, who is a senior at Lake Marion. “As of right now, everyone is getting along. Everybody is listening and that contributed to the success of the grand opening of the cafe.”

Jackson has been taking culinary classes since freshman year.

“My skills have improved greatly,” he said. “Originally in the kitchen, I always burned things but this class has enhanced my skills a lot. My favorite things to cook are wings and fries.”

While Jackson is not yet sure if he wants a career in the culinary arts, he does treat his family at home to his cooking.

“Recently, I just made some jambalaya rice and everybody loved it,” Jackson said. “I hope to do it again sometime.”