Pizza, Plans, and Future Chefs: Normandy High's Hands-On Business Lesson

Students at Normandy High School recently took a break from textbooks to dive into a real-world business challenge: making and selling pizza. This wasn't just about cooking; it was a lesson in entrepreneurship, teaching them the ins and outs of running a business. The project was split into two days. On the first day, students worked in teams to price ingredients, manage workflow, and create a product. They had to think about what people would want to eat and how to make it appealing. The second day was all about branding and advertising. Students had to come up with a logo, a business plan, and a menu. They even had to figure out how much each item on the menu would cost to make. The students weren't alone in this task. They were guided by culinary experts Chef Ian Johnson and Chef Christie Gibbons, who showed them the ropes of a professional kitchen. The students learned that cooking isn't just about following a recipe. It's about teamwork, time management, and attention to detail. They also learned about organization, cleanliness, and communication.For some students, this project was an eye-opener. Senior Ruben Gonzalez realized that he might want to pursue a career in culinary arts after high school. He found the work creative, dynamic, and full of learning opportunities. Other students, like freshman Arielle Moissis, had a different experience. She grew up in the kitchens of her family's restaurants and knew the challenges of the food industry. She didn't see herself working in the food industry but appreciated the insight the project gave her. The project was a hit with the students and their teacher, Dwayne Kessie. He loved bringing the real world into the classroom and drawing from his past experiences to make the lessons more relevant. He even plans to expand the curriculum next year, making it a full-year class. This project wasn't just about making pizza. It was about learning the skills needed to start a successful business. It was about creativity, independence, innovation, and problem-solving. It was a hands-on lesson that students won't soon forget.