Preparing Our Educators

Restaurant, Hotel and Tourism Association dishes up a Dad’s Weekend Brunch

RHTA students pose together before serving at the Dad's Weekend Brunch.

ATHENS, Ohio (Feb. 17, 2011) - Ohio University students who brought their fathers to Jefferson Hall on Saturday, Jan. 22, enjoyed a delicious Dad’s Weekend Brunch catered and staffed by students from The Patton College’s Restaurant, Hotel and Tourism Association (RHTA).

Thirty students from RHTA gave up their Saturday mornings and afternoons to serve patrons at the Brunch and ensure an enjoyable dining experience for students and their fathers. In total, about 100 attendees showed up to enjoy an omelette bar, bacon, cheesy potatoes, chili, pasta salad and more.

This event provided more than just funds, however; it was a valuable practical experience for the students, many of whom are looking to work in the restaurant business someday. RHTA students planned and executed the entire event, including purchasing materials, preparing food, selling tickets and working at event itself.

“Dad's Weekend Brunch lets students put on the event from start to finish,” said Danielle Terry, president of RHTA. “It is important for students who want to be part of the hospitality industry to have experiences outside of the classroom. That is what will get you ahead when looking for a job after graduation.”

The students executed the event very well, according to Donald Brown, assistant professor of hospitality and the faculty adviser to RHTA.

“I felt the event was a big success,” said Brown.“Our RHTA students did a wonderful job of participating, planning and executing an event that was not only profitable, but provided an educational experience as well.”

The group raised nearly $800, which will go toward funding a trip to the 2011 National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago. The Show will feature more than 1,800 exhibitors in more than 900 product categories, including food, beverage, equipment and furnishings. Additionally, the event will feature demonstrations and seminars regarding new concepts and industry trends. The Show is being held May 21-24, 2011.

“Since the RHT major here at Ohio University is broad, each student has a different feel for how they want to enter the industry,” said Terry. “Going to the NRA trade show gives every student the opportunity to exploreeach part of the industry they want to enter.”

RHTA is a fairly new organization on campus, but successful events like this and valuable trips to trade shows will certainly help build momentum for the group.

“We heard nothing but great comments from those who were in attendance,” said Brown. “Dad's Weekend Brunch will do nothing but grow over the next few years.”

Story by R. Devin Hughes; Photo by Mark Brunton