The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
OPEN FOR BUSINESS
Lighthouse Grill is student-operated restaurant at Lorain High School
Lorain High School has a public restaurant that is operated almost entirely by students. The Lighthouse Grill, located on the northwest side of the building at 2600 Ashland Ave., had its official opening for the year Oct. 15.
Lorain High students work as hosts, waiters and chefs.
“This is our Culinary and Hospitality program,” said Terra Dahlhausen, hospitality instructor at Lorain High School. “This is a two-year program where students can earn an industry credential and seamlessly transfer if they want to continue at LCCC (Lorain County Community College).
Folks should stop by for good, affordable food and to see the work the students are doing at Lorain High School.”
— Terra Dahlhausen, hospitality instructor
“This is a big opening for us as the former head of the Culinary Arts program, Chef (David) Smith, passed away this year and so we are dedicating the opening to him.”
Dahlhausen said the students operating the restaurant are in their second year with the program.
“The first year, the students learn about sanitation, how to properly use knives, how to use all the equipment and all the other information they need to be ready,” she said. “Then they operate the restaurant in year two.”
Dahlhausen said the menu is a typical lunch cuisine.
“We have wings, chicken strips, salads and our signature Titan Burger,” she said. “Everything is made here by the students and the prices are all affordable.
“We aren’t trying to make a profit; it all goes back into the program. Folks should stop by for good, affordable
food and to see the work the students are doing at Lorain High School.”
One of the diners during the grand opening was Kathi Smith, who was chef Smith’s wife.
“This is really fabulous,” she said. “David worked with the district for maybe 30 years and this was his baby; I’m so glad to see everything exactly how he wanted it.
“The program is a winwin for everyone. The students benefit from the program and folks in the area get great, affordable meals. The restaurant here is fabulous. I don’t know of too many schools that have something like this. This was his dream, and I’m so glad to see it come to fruition.”
Romeo Osorio, 17, a senior, at Lorain High, worked as a waiter for the opening.
“It’s a really fun class,” Romeo said. “It’s fun learning stuff like knife skills and cooking, that you don’t typically learn in high school.
“This is something I love doing, and I have already applied it with my job at Blue Sky Restaurant.”