VALDOSTA — In 2007, Valdosta was the only city in Georgia recognized among the top 10 places to open a restaurant, according to the Restaurant Growth Index. Valdosta was also named the eighth hottest place to open a restaurant in the nation. With such an increased demand for more food services as the city expands, it is only fitting that Valdosta becomes the home of the new Culinary Arts program at Valdosta Technical College, complete with a state-of-the-art teaching kitchen and top-of-the-line chefs.

“This program offers students something they can be proud of,” Interim President Dr. F.D. Toth said at the culinary facility groundbreaking ceremony Wednesday morning. “Through the culinary arts program, they can obtain more than just a job. They can build a career.”

The growing success of the current Culinary Arts Line Cook and Catering Specialist technical certificate program, which was started in 2005, led VTC to expand to a diploma and degree level program. The new program will include a three to 11 credit hour courses and require 90 credit hours to graduate. Occupational courses include Food Service Purchasing and Control, Food Service Leadership and Decision Making, Introduction to Microcomputers and International Cuisine.

Students who complete the new program will now earn certified chef credentials. In addition, projected salary ranges for culinary diploma graduates range from $18,000 to $35,000 annually.

Students can start the program during the upcoming spring semester under the instruction of Culinary Instructors Don Stanley and Derrick McKinnon. The new kitchen and classroom development, a $500,000 investment, will be an addition to VTC Building 500 and include 3,800 square feet of expansion. Until the facility is complete, students will continue to attend evening culinary classes at Valwood School, where both instructors work.

“The kitchen and classroom are expected to be up and running in December,” Toth said. “I’m thrilled about this new development at Valdosta Technical College and in Valdosta. It’s very well needed and has been highly anticipated.”

Before the ceremony’s end, Toth recognized various sponsors, which include Convington’s, Don Stanley, Harvey’s, Jones Construction, Ellis Ricket and Associates, Miller’s Bar-B-Que, Valdosta Tech Culinary students and Valwood. Advisory Committee Members mentioned were Sue Cox, Susan Deal, Tim Harris, Lamar Jowers, Gus Walters, Kae Sinkule, Randy DeCoudres, Don Stanley, Wade Licntenberg and Charlie Crews.