School of Business and Hospitality unveils refurbished bar lab

A photo of College President Claude Brulé - and others - officially cutting a ribbon to open the newly renovated bar lab.

Algonquin College’s School of Business and Hospitality is pleased to unveil the extensive renovation of its teaching bar lab, aimed at providing an even more immersive and dynamic learning environment for its students.

The renovations, which commenced on April 25, 2023, and concluded on Aug. 30, 2023, represent a significant investment in elevating the practical training facilities available to learners pursuing programs in the School of Business and Hospitality. This state-of-the-art facility is designed to emulate a real-world bar setting, providing students with hands-on experience in bartending, mixology and customer service.

“We are committed to providing our students with the best possible learning experience,” said Julie Beauchamp, Dean, School of Business and Hospitality. “This refurbished teaching bar is a testament to our dedication to practical, industry-relevant education.”

Key features of the refurbished bar include:

  • Twenty-two individual stainless steel bar stations.
  • One accessible bar station.
  • Surround sound music system.
  • Integrated video demonstration camera and five large screen monitors.

The teaching bar is an integral part of several programs offered by the School of Business and Hospitality, including: Bartending, Hotel and Restaurant Operations Management, Bachelor of Hospitality and Tourism Management and Culinary Arts and Food Science Degree.

“We are excited to showcase this upgraded facility to our learners, faculty and the wider community,” added Claude Brulé, Algonquin College President and CEO. “The refurbished bar lab will play a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of hospitality professionals.”

Faculty and employees of the School of Business and Hospitality gathered for the new bar lab unveiling on Tuesday, Dec. 19. The event, organized by Cory Haskins, Chair, Culinary Arts, and Marie-France Boudrault-Champagne, Program Coordinator, Bartending and Sommelier, featured an overview of the facilities, official ribbon cutting and a cocktail mixology activity, led by Antonios Vitaliotis, Culinary Arts professor. The group made AC Lemonade, a green cocktail with blue curacao, citrus flavours and the bartender’s choice of vodka, rum or gin. The 22 bar lab stations are stocked with coloured water in assorted liquor bottles for demonstration purposes, but Vitaliotis generously took the time to individually bottle samples of the cocktail for the group to enjoy.

“Algonquin College’s renovated teaching bar lab is a game-changer for our industry. The investment in this state-of-the-art facility speaks volumes about the College’s commitment to providing top-notch education. The 22 individual stainless steel bar stations, integrated video demonstration camera and large screen monitors create a dynamic learning environment that truly emulates a real-world bar setting. This hands-on experience is invaluable for students pursuing careers in bartending, mixology and customer service. I am thrilled to see such dedication to shaping the next generation of professionals. Kudos to Algonquin College for their forward-thinking approach,” said Shauna Bradley, CEO, Heart and Crown, and Program Advisory Committee member for Algonquin College’s Bartending program.