NW Missouri Times

Students at Northwest Missouri State University are preparing for their annual Friday Night Café, an event that combines international cuisine with professional training. This year, the café will feature a German Oktoberfest theme and is scheduled for November 8th from 5 to 6 p.m. on the third floor of the Administration Building. Seating is limited to 50 guests.

The café is part of a lab requirement for students enrolled in the university's quantity foods course, led by Kelli Wilmes, director of Northwest’s dietetics program. Wilmes explained, “As food and nutrition professionals, our students will likely be involved in the planning and execution of many events like this during future dietetic internships or their place of work.”

The menu includes traditional German dishes such as schweine-schnitzel, soft pretzels, bratwurst, roasted Brussels sprouts, spaetzle, salads, and cakes. Students are responsible for all aspects of the event including theme selection, menu planning, pricing, and décor.

Senior student Darrian Gordon expressed appreciation for the practical experience gained through organizing the event: “This event has helped a lot with piecing together a lot of the stuff that I learned my sophomore and junior year.” Another senior student Carsen Sporleder emphasized the value of hands-on learning: ”Having all these components and doing more than just writing on paper will help me be a better leader or manager in the future.”

Through this initiative, students practice skills in food preparation management while working collaboratively in teams. The event not only fulfills academic requirements but also prepares students for real-world challenges they may face in their careers.