Student-Run Pantera Restaurant Provides Hands-On Commercial Culinary Experience

Students in EIU's Commercial Quantity Food Production course receive hands-on experience with Pantera, a student-operated, full-service restaurant that serves EIU faculty, staff and students.

"We're trying to give these students a little edge on their career choices and make sure they have experience in their field before they go out and look for a job," said instructor Kathy Rhodes.

Several recent graduates immediately started managing Chicago restaurants, and others have secured internships that will lead to full-time employment, Rhodes said.

For now, students involved with Pantera prepare food in a home economics classroom, but students are raising money and accepting donations in the hopes of furnishing a nearly $500,000 commercial-size kitchen to make the experience even more valuable.

"Once we have the proper equipment in place, the experience we will be able to provide our students will be amazing," Rhodes said.

The reservation-only restaurant is open twice a week in Klehm Hall, with a different menu offered each day. Offerings run the gamut from Italian to Chinese to "down-home cooking."

The restaurant offers gift certificates, as well as Pantera Dollars, which are punch cards that offer discounts on the purchase of multiple meals.

Click here to read a Charleston Times-Courier story from Pantera's first year in operation.