Per Montgomery College: The Rolling Raptor EduKitchen is a 26-foot-long mobile food lab that arrived at Montgomery College in October. It is equipped with the most cutting-edge culinary equipment and technology to serve as a business lab that facilitates experiential learning experiences for students within the Hospitality Management Program. Its design enables students to develop a food truck business/ concept, fabricate and test out products to be served, cost out and develop menus, operate the food truck in a real setting (e.g., golf courses, breweries, City of Rockville events), and finally evaluate the success of the concept based on customer feedback and financial gains or losses.
“The Rolling Raptor creates an unprecedented opportunity for students to gain real-life entrepreneurial experiences throughout their studies at Montgomery College,” said Jana Anderson, Hospitality Management Program coordinator and associate professor at Montgomery College. “The mobile food lab allows students to bring the products and business ventures they develop in the classroom to actual customers in real-life settings. It also creates an opportunity for the Hospitality Management Program to partner with local businesses such as True Respite Brewing Company in securing locations for the Rolling Raptor.”
Two MC students who are graduating this Fall with an AAS in Hospitality Management praised the opportunity for hands-on experience. “Throughout my journey working on the Rolling Raptor I have been able to increase my knowledge of menu formatting and food truck administration while being able to gain real life experience by serving delicious food to the people of Montgomery College,” said Luis Armenta.
Fellow graduate Angelo Rochester said he has high expectations for his future in the hospitality industry: “The Rolling Raptor gave me just a small taste of what it takes to ensure my goals are met.”
Students can also use the Rolling Raptor EduKitchen to present their business findings as it is equipped with an external digital screen that can be used for presentation purposes, as well as a digital menu board. Custom-designed and fabricated for the program, the Rolling Raptor EduKitchen is incorporated into the curriculum of several hospitality management classes related to entrepreneurship, marketing, and food service operations.
All students enrolled in both Hospitality Management Degrees, Food and Beverage Management, 347 A, and Management and Supervision, 347 B, will have the opportunity to work with the Rolling Raptor throughout the course of their studies.
The Mobile Lab idea for the Hospitality Management Program was developed in January 2022 by Professor John Coliton, acting BEACAHMPS Dean at the time (which stands for Instruction, Business, Economics, Accounting, Computer Applications, Hospitality Management and Paralegal Studies), and Jana Anderson, Hospitality Management Program Coordinator and Associate Professor at MC. The lab was custom designed and fabricated for the program by ELHAJ Custom located in Manassas, VA and arrived on the Rockville Campus in early October.
The Rolling Raptor also partners with local businesses. It was at Saints Row Brewing on December 6 and at True Respite Brewing Company on December 7.
Recent Stories
John F. Kennedy High School entered into a shelter-in-place on Friday, April 19, after an incident involving a trespasser with a knife.
Montgomery County Police have announced that the department will be conducting increased traffic enforcement this weekend.
Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) responded to a multi-vehicle collision on Darnestown Road and Vicars Way, between Turkeyfoot Road and Seneca Road in Darnestown on Friday, April 19.
Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) responded to the 200blk of Perry Parkway near W. Diamond Ave., around 4pm on Friday, April 19, for the report of a collision.
17th Annual Kensington Day of the Book Festival
Now in its 17th year, the Kensington Day of the Book Festival is a family-friendly street festival featuring 150+ renowned authors, poets, and literary organizations. Enjoy live music on five stages, special guest speakers, military veteran writers and comedians, poetry readings, cookbook demos, children's program, and much more.
Admission is free, and attendees will also be able to explore a marketplace of books and food offerings from local vendors.
Not your average book festival! This festival offers something for everyone!
17th Annual Kensington Day of the Book Festival
Sunday, April 21, 2024, 11am-4pm (held rain or shine!)
Howard Avenue, Kensington, MD 20895
www.dayofthebook.com
Instagram: @kensingtonbookfestival
Contact: Elisenda Sola-Sole, Festival Director
301-949-9416 (text preferred)
FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival
Get ready to experience the vibrant colors, tantalizing flavors, and infectious rhythms of the Caribbean at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival! Hosted by RHU LLC, this exciting festival is set to take place on May 18, 2024, at the picturesque 16700 Barnesville Rd in Boyds, MD.
Step into a world where the Caribbean spirit comes alive! From 12:00 PM onwards, immerse yourself in a sensory journey that celebrates the unique culture, cuisine, and music of the Caribbean. Whether you're an African American, a Reggae or Soca music enthusiast, a wine lover, or part of the vibrant Caribbean diaspora, this festival promises to delight and captivate you in every way.
Let the enticing aromas of mouthwatering Caribbean dishes tantalize your taste buds. Feast on traditional delicacies prepared by expert chefs, showcasing the rich and diverse culinary heritage of the Caribbean. Indulge in flavorful jerk chicken, succulent seafood, and delectable plantain dishes that will transport you straight to the islands.
Accompanying the culinary extravaganza is a carefully curated selection of premium wines, ensuring the perfect pairing for your palate. Sip on fine wines from renowned vineyards, each sip a reflection of the Caribbean's vibrant spirit. Discover new flavors, expand your wine knowledge, and savor unforgettable moments with every glass.
As the sun sets, get ready to groove to the infectious rhythms of Caribbean music. Feel the pulsating beats of reggae, soca, dancehall, and calypso, moving your body to the lively melodies. Live performances by talented musicians and performers will keep the energy high, ensuring a night of unforgettable entertainment.
Don't miss this opportunity to embrace the Caribbean spirit and celebrate the arrival of spring in style! Tickets are available on AllEvents, so secure your spot today. Join us at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival, where cultures collide and unforgettable memories are made.
LIVE PERFORMANCES By: CULTURE Feat. Kenyatta Hill, EXCO LEVI, IMAGE BAND, RAS LIDJ REGG'GO with Special Guest SUGAR BEAR FROM E.U. & MORE! & MORE!
MUSIC By: DJ ABLAZE, DJ SMALLY & NAJ SUPREME
2 NIGHT Camping packages available: RV/CAMPER $200 | TENTS $150 Starting on Friday May 17 @ 5pm | 30 RV SPACES | 30+ TENT SPACES
KIDS 12 & UNDER FREE!!!
