Lighthouse Grille opens with Lorain High School students running the show
LORAIN — Lorain High School’s culinary arts students stepped out of the classroom and into the kitchen on Tuesday, launching the Lighthouse Grille, where they run every aspect of the restaurant—from cooking to customer service—while sharpening their real-world skills.
Under the guidance of Chef and Culinary Instructors Terra Dahlhausen and Susan St. Aubyn, students have been practicing for weeks, with family and staff critiquing their customer service and culinary skills.
"Working at the Lighthouse Grille has been a great experience," said Imani Harris, a second-year culinary arts student. "I’ve really enjoyed learning how to work as a team with my classmates in the kitchen."
Adding realism to the training, the restaurant uses the Toast system, a widely-used management technology for streamlined order-taking and payment processing. Dahlhausen said students can take cash credit card payments tableside with the system.
The Culinary Arts program, which serves dozens of students each year, also offers ServSafe certification, equipping students with essential food safety knowledge. From the classroom to the kitchen, students are learning what it takes to manage a restaurant and handle the heat.
"One of the best parts of this program has been stepping into a leadership role in the kitchen," said Jaylen Williams. "It’s given me a chance to build confidence and guide others while ensuring everything runs smoothly."
Students working in the front of the house also enjoy the experience.
"I’ve loved meeting all the customers and making sure they have a great experience," said LHS junior Gabriella Dimacchia.
Lunch service is available from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. by reservation and on select days. The Lighthouse Grille offers affordable meals, with most priced under $10. For more information or to make a reservation, visit the Lighthouse Grille page on the Lorain High School website.
https://lhs.lorainschools.org/our-school/lighthousegrille