Mules Cafe will open Thursday for the last school year at its current location before a new, $1.2 million facility is opened.
It is a program both teachers and former students say can be life-changing for participants, who come from 10 area high schools.
The lunch spot is operated by Poplar Bluff Technical Career Center students who “do it all,” Culinary Arts Instructor Chef Brandon Moon said.
“We serve for the first time this year from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Oct. 6 and 7 at our location in front of the middle school,” the chef said. “Our students rotate through different culinary jobs weekly.
“Everybody washes dishes,” he added. “Students learn cooking skills, people skills and good business skills. They learn a lot of skills designed to take them further in the working world.”
Moon, a 2008 graduate of Sullivan University with a degree in Baking and Pastry Arts also is a 2012 graduate of Southeast Missouri State University with an education degree. He says the program’s goal is to “provide students with the tools they need to both get and keep jobs” in the hospitality industry.
“We’re moving to a new facility on the main (TCC) campus in the coming year,” Moon said. “So this will be our final year here.
“The kitchen in the new space is twice as large as we have to work with now. We’re really anticipating the move.”
Poplar Bluff Area Career Center Director Charles Kinsey said the $1.2 million addition is the result of a three-year effort and serves 10 area high schools, including Van Buren, Poplar Bluff, East Carter, Southern Reynolds, Twin Rivers, Dexter, Puxico, Zalma, Greenville and Westwood Baptist Academy.
“We brought in about $800,00 from three different revenue streams,” Kinsey said. “We received a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), ancillary funds from the state and a Perkins Grant.”
“When we talk taxpayer money, we really need to maximize every dollar,” he added. “It’s important that we both serve the public in positive ways and are good stewards of their money. The project is in the environmental study phase now and we expect that to conclude in the next 30 to 45 days.”
The proposed facility includes a state-of-the-art, 2,400-square-foot commercial kitchen with walk-in freezer and refrigerators, Kinsey.
“I was able to help with input and design,” Moon said. “Functionality is important.
We used to be cafeteria-style. Three years ago, we changed over to cook-to-order. So, the new design is more modern and facilitates a more complete learning environment.”
Both men said they hope to draw more student interest to the new facility.
“Right now, we have about 20 students at Mules Cafe,” Moon said. “They help with menu input as well as their other duties.
Moon decides the end menu, which changes weekly, but students do the rest.
Austin Holcomb, 29, is a 2011 program graduate, an award-winning cook and works as a sous chef at Charlotte, North Carolina, restaurants and catered events. Holcomb stepped down recently from the executive chef’s position at Tremont, a “South End Gastro Pub” he said. Holcomb applies his catering skills at Bon Terra, a French-Italian fusion restaurant.
He’s also infinitely enthusiastic about Mules Cafe.
“If I can convince anyone interested in the field to take this class, I’m 100% in,” Holcomb said. “It absolutely changed my life.”
Holcomb said not only did the credits he earned affect his college hours, the experience allowed him to participate in and judge Skills USA competitions.
“I emphasize three key points,” Holcomb explained. “One, you eat your own food and so do other people. The feedback is brutally honest and instantly rewarding.
“Two, you can take culinary skills anywhere and make money. In bigger cities, restaurant touring is very popular and I always have rewarding opportunities. And three, if you’re artistic at all and passionate about what you do, this is the class and the profession for you.”
Both Moon and Kinsey encourage the public to “come by and enjoy lunch” at Mules Cafe.
“We’re always looking for industry professionals to come and address the class,” Moon said. “We’re in the hospitality business.”
Past speakers have included owners from The Lemonade House Grill, Hanuman Express and Little Black River Cafe.
“It allows owners to try the food and students meet the owners. It’s a very satisfying relationship,” he said.
Mules Cafe’s first opening to the public this year is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 6 and Friday, Oct. 7. The cafe is located at 1110 N. Westwood Blvd., Poplar Bluff.
Dine in seating is available as are take-out orders.
Those who prefer take-out orders are asked to call early, at 573-785-5768.
More information is available on the Mules Cafe Facebook page, pbtccmulescafe.