Algonquin College’s School of Business and Hospitality unveils refurbished bar lab for enhanced learning experience 

The renovations, which commenced on April 25, 2023, and concluded on August 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 of the 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:

22 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
• Bachelor of Hospitality and Tourism
• 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, of Heart and Crown, and Program Advisory Committee member for Algonquin College’s Bartending program.

For more information about the School of Business and Hospitality at Algonquin College, please visit their website.

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For more information

Megan Fraser
Communications Officer
Algonquin College
613-302-0138
fraserm2@algonquincollege.com

About Algonquin College’s School of Business and Hospitality

The School of Business and Hospitality combines the perfect mix of programs and learning environments to foster creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship. Learners can expect an immersive and dynamic experience using analytical, problem-solving and critical thinking skills in business programs, or showcase their artistic side in hospitality while focusing on people and providing superior customer service.

About Algonquin College

The mission of Algonquin College of Applied Arts and Technology is to transform hopes and dreams into lifelong success. Algonquin College, an Ontario public sector community college, does this by offering hands-on, digitally connected, experiential learning in more than 200 programs. Algonquin College is the largest polytechnic institute in Eastern Ontario, with campuses in Ottawa, Perth, Pembroke and AC Online.