Triton College to Launch Student-Run Retail Bakery in October

RIVER GROVE, Ill. — Whether you’re in the mood for a sweet treat, a savory snack or just something to make your day brighter, students in Triton College’s Hospitality Industry Administration (HIA) program are thrilled to invite the community to their retail bakery, launching in October.

The bakery, located inside the B Building near the cafeteria, is completely student-run and will be open Fridays from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., beginning Oct. 9 through Dec. 11. Throughout the fall semester, the bakery will offer a selection of scratch-made cookies, brownies, pastries and breads handmade by Triton students and sold at a fraction of the market price.

Watch a short video of HIA students in action as they prepare for the bakery’s opening next month.

The bakery will serve as a core component of the HIA curriculum, according to Chef Christopher Clem, HIA faculty chair. Students will be able to apply the skills they learn in class to actually operate a business. When it comes to the bakery, Clem said he’ll take a back seat and provide guidance while students make the decisions and run the operation.

“It’s a real-world, work-based learning opportunity that allows them to experience the business firsthand,” he said. “This operation is 100% student-run — all decisions are theirs. I simply try and steer a little bit.”

While Clem’s students are learning the ropes of the industry, bakery patrons should expect a fluid operation, a welcoming environment and, perhaps most importantly, delicious baked goods.

Clem emphasized that all items, from cookies to breads, will be made from scratch using natural, fresh ingredients.

Though, according to one of his students, one of the key ingredients isn’t just found in the food but in the whole operation: passion.

“Everything’s going to be handmade, and we’re going to be making it with extra love for the communities that support us,” said student Javier Belmonte of Melrose Park. “I’m just really excited that we’ll be able to see what it’s like to open a business, manage it and then serve the community.”

Student Evelyn Cortes of Des Plaines added her excitement to the mix, and said she looks forward to welcoming community members to the bakery and helping them learn more about the HIA program.

“When they come in, we want them to feel a sense of comfort and that home-cooked vibe,” she said. “I want them to feel the warmth when they try our dessert or pastries because we’re learning and we love what we do.”

For more information about the bakery, visit the HIA program page.

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Media Contacts:
Melissa Ramirez Cooper | melissacooper@triton.edu | 708-456-0300, Ext. 3496
Hunter Oberst | hunteroberst@triton.edu | 708-456-0300, Ext. 3820

ABOUT TRITON COLLEGE:
Triton College, located at 2000 Fifth Ave., River Grove, is a public institution of higher education dedicated to student success. Recently recognized by the Aspen Institute as one of the Top 200 community colleges in the nation, Triton offers more than 130 degree and certificate programs that prepare students to pursue meaningful careers, transfer to four-year universities, and thrive in a global economy. Guided by our mission—Valuing the individual, educating and serving the community—Triton serves nearly 17,000 students annually on its 110-acre campus in River Grove, Illinois. Our dedicated faculty and staff provide high-quality, accessible and affordable educational opportunities that empower students and strengthens the communities we serve. Triton College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the Illinois Community College Board. Illinois is home to 45 colleges in 39 community college districts. Learn more at triton.edu.