Viking Cafe to reopen February 26th

The Viking Cafe made its debut at Decorah High School last spring. Now it is set to reopen on February 26th, with plans to be open for lunch most Thursdays; and Tuesdays and Thursdays at the end of the semester.

The cafe is part of the practical learning experience in a Foods 2 class at the Decorah High School, as well as part of the Hospitality class that works in efforts of menu planning, promotion, serving and cost analysis. But cross classroom involvement doesn't stop there.  A marketing class is working on website development to promote the cafe and incorporate on-line reservations; and an industrial technology class has developed the prototype for signage. The intent is to utilize whatever produce is available from the high school greenhouse, as well as cooperation with local food initiatives.

Students in the Foods 2 class are part of the "Pro-Star"t curriculum offered via the National Restaurant Association, and as such can test to receive a certificate from that organization. As the manager of the restaurant, the instructor for the course, Dana Einck, needed to be certified via the "Serv-Safe" program, also via the National Restaurant Association. The Iowa Department of Inspections and appeals has also visited the site, and provided its stamp of approval for restaurant operations.

While the cafe is just preparing to open, that doesn't  mean the students haven't been working with food preparation and serving on a number of projects. For example, last weekend they catered breakfast for 50, and lunch for 90 at the speech contest hosted at the high school. They have also worked on freshman orientation, veterans breakfast, and snacks for the football press box and a blood drive

The intent is for the cafe to be open the latter part of each semester so each semester of classes can have an opportunity for the practical experience.

The cafe is located at the far east end of the high school, with parking available just outside the entrance. Since seating is limited, reservations need to be made at 382-3643.

Inspection passed!

Part of spacious kitchen

Decor from speech contest catering

Menus from speech contest catering