Waitstaff Service: Above and Beyond

This customized, propriety curriculum prepares students to enter the growing hospitality world with a focus on food and beverage service in upscale restaurants, hotels and casinos. Students will learn vital customer service objectives with an intensive focus on the development of transferable soft-skills. They will learn about table settings, proper glass and stemware for cocktails, wine parings, selections and presentation, teamwork with back-of-house staff, POS systems and upselling to increase tips. There is a need for providing a means for a livable wage to indigenous residents who have been excluded in the rebirth of the economic resurgence of Detroit. The hospitality industry has maintained a pivotal role in providing career opportunities that are amenable to returning citizens.

We have secured enough funds to offer an abbreviated 4 week training program.  I order to present continued full length, 8 week cohorts, we need to raise additional operating funds for both the curriculum and all access to Focus HOPE's wrap-around support services and case management. Currently, Focus HOPE has provided these services an an in-kind donation, in addition to financial support in the amount of $10,000.

To prepare students with the knowledge and technical skills to effectively perform as a team member in a food and beverage setting. Upon successful completion students will obtain the following:

·         National Restaurant Association’s ServSafe® Food Certification

·         National Restaurant Association’s ServSafe® Alcohol Handlers Certification

·         National Restaurant Association’s ServSafe® Allergens Certification

·         Introduction to sommelier techniques

·         POS (Point of Sale) Certification

·         Customer Service Completion Certification