Columbian students tour Parkhurst Food Service

TIFFIN — Columbian High School students recently had the opportunity to tour Parkhurst Food Service at Heidelberg University to gain a behind-the-scenes look at the operations of cooking, baking, and food service management. Gilbert Evans, the general manager of Parkhurst at Heidelberg, organized the event and provided insights into the food service industry at all levels. Evans shared his career journey, explaining the daily responsibilities of various food service roles, including positions in healthcare and higher education that offer creativity, growth, and good compensation. Cassandra Barker, Retail Director, also spoke about her path to her current position, opportunities with Heidelberg, and how students can work for Parkhurst while earning tuition assistance. Amanda Zimmerman, Director of Marketing, discussed her experiences as a Marketing student at Heidelberg and opportunities for internships, while Chef Josh explained his background in becoming a chef and the training required to advance in a kitchen. Throughout the day, students toured Heidelberg's food service areas, including the Rock Creek Café & Bakery, Hoernemann Refectory, and the Clean Plate Station, which offers allergen-free meal options. They also visited The HeidelBean coffee shop and Berg Bistro, learning about the different skills required for various food service roles. The tour provided students with valuable insights into the food service industry and the diverse career opportunities available.