Immersive Hospitality Management Program Experiences
The Tony & Libba Rane Culinary Science Center will be the new home to the Auburn University Hospitality Management Program. Features for active student learning include:
1856 Teaching Restaurant
Located at the corner of South College and Thach Avenue, the 46-seat teaching restaurant, 1856 will feature culinary science instructors and students working together to create a luxury-level dining experience. Lunch will offer a la carte dining opportunities while dinner will feature a unique tasting menu. The open kitchen will serve as a theater to guests where both servers and chefs serve dishes from the tasting menu to the table. The teaching restaurant will be open to the public, but will offer preferred seating for residents and guests of The Laurel Hotel & Spa.
The Laurel Hotel
The Laurel Hotel & Spa is the boutique teaching hotel, where Hospitality Management students will gain hands-on practical experience working in all areas of hotel operations in a luxury 26-room facility, with six additional residences. The Laurel will be located at the iconic corner of South College Street and Thach Avenue. Guests will arrive at a private entrance, with valet parking, and then be guided through an exclusive check-in process equal to those found at top luxury hotels around the world. They will be escorted by a hotelier in training to their rooms, where they will be oriented to the space, receiving a concierge-level experience. The hotel will include a rooftop pool, bar, spa and fitness center. The Library will serve breakfast, a light lunch, a daily aperitivo hour, as well as after dinner desserts. Room service will be available 24 hours a day. Cocktail service is provided to guests and residents of The Laurel Hotel in the Library from 11:00 am until midnight daily. The most exciting aspect of this teaching hotel is the hands-on practical experience gained by Hospitality Management students in all areas of hotel operations.
The Spa
Located on the 6th floor, as part of The Laurel Hotel, community members, guests and residents of The Laurel will have the opportunity to experience an extensive selection of spa treatments . This full-service spa will provide a wide range of treatments including massage, body treatments, manicures, and pedicures. The spa will be built to the same high standards as the rest of the teaching hotel, with changing and relaxation rooms available.
Culinary Laboratories
There will be three culinary laboratories in the center and one pastry laboratory. The design of the laboratories on the lower level will include non-conventional cooking stations providing opportunities for students to participate in various cooking techniques and innovative methods. A culinary exhibition laboratory on the second floor will be utilized primarily for commercial cooking demonstrations from instructors and visiting chefs.
Food and Beverage Multimedia Studio
Located near the culinary exhibition laboratory, the multimedia studio will teach food and beverage photography and videography, helping prepare future chefs, bar operators and restaurateurs to be media savvy. The multimedia studio will be a highly unique resource for a hospitality management program in the United States, further differentiating educational opportunities in hospitality and culinary science at Auburn University.
For more information on the Hospitality Management Program visit: http://www.humsci.auburn.edu/hosp/
Workforce Development
Alabama’s tourism is a nearly $70 million industry, bringing travelers in search of southern hospitality from across the nation and across the world to the state. The Tony and Libba Rane Culinary Science Center will serve the hospitality industry by offering continuing education and workshop opportunities to professionals searching to refine their skills.
