Latest news with #ChaplinSchoolofHospitality&TourismManagement
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Bacardi Welcomes Students From Florida International University's Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management to Bermuda Headquarters
HAMILTON, BERMUDA / / May 16, 2025 / Bacardi, the world's largest privately held international spirits company, proudly welcomed 80 students and seven faculty members from Florida International University (FIU) to its global headquarters in Bermuda last week as part of an immersive learning experience focused on the hospitality, tourism, and beverage industries. The visiting students, representing FIU's Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management, arrived in Bermuda via transatlantic cruise and spent the day at the Bacardi Global Headquarters as part of a full-day educational program curated by the Bacardi Bermuda team. The visit was organized in collaboration with FIU's "Hospitality at Sea" program and is part of the university's broader experiential learning initiative. The visit included a guided tour of the iconic Bacardi Global Headquarters building and art collection. The agenda featured presentations on the Company's heritage, strategic brand acquisitions, and its global 'Good Spirited' corporate sustainability initiatives. The experience culminated with a curated product tasting and lunch at the Bacardi 1862 Cocktail Bar for guests, all of which were of legal drinking age. "This visit reflects our shared commitment to educating and inspiring the next generation of hospitality leaders by offering unique exposure to our company's heritage, values, and vision for the future," said Douglas Mello, Managing Director of Bacardi International Limited. "We're proud to open our doors to students who are passionate about the industry and eager to learn from real-world examples of brand building, innovation, and sustainability." The longstanding partnership between Bacardi and FIU began in 2020 with the establishment of the Bacardi Center of Excellence at the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management. This initiative, supported by a $5 million gift from Bacardi U.S.A., aims to inspire and educate the hospitality community on spirits, entrepreneurship, and beyond. The collaboration has led to the development of specialized beverage curricula, financial assistance for students, and the creation of programs like Future Proof-a certified bar training program designed to equip aspiring hospitality professionals with the skills needed to excel in the industry. In Bermuda, the Future Proof program is currently offered through the Bermuda Tourism Authority, making the training accessible to local residents interested in hospitality careers. The faculty delegation was led by Professor John D. Buschman, Co-Director of the Global Sustainable Tourism Program. Other participating professors represented a range of specialties including international marketing, cuisine, leadership, and cruise line operations. Bacardi has long supported education and workforce development in the hospitality industry through global initiatives such as Shake Your Future and its partnership with the Bacardi Center of Excellence at FIU. About Bacardi LimitedBacardi Limited, the world's largest privately held international spirits company, produces, markets, and distributes spirits and wines. The Bacardi Limited portfolio comprises more than 200 brands and labels, including BACARDÍ® rum, PATRÓN® tequila, GREY GOOSE® vodka, DEWAR'S® Blended Scotch whisky, BOMBAY SAPPHIRE® gin, MARTINI® vermouth and sparkling wines, CAZADORES® 100% blue agave tequila, and other leading and emerging brands including WILLIAM LAWSON'S® Scotch whisky, D'USSÉ® Cognac, ANGEL'S ENVY® American straight whiskey, and ST-GERMAIN® elderflower liqueur. Founded more than 163 years ago in Santiago de Cuba, family-owned Bacardi Limited currently employs more than 8,000, operates production facilities in 11 countries and territories, and sells its brands in more than 160 markets. Bacardi Limited refers to the Bacardi group of companies, including Bacardi International Limited. Visit or follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Bacardi-Martini, Inc. on Contact Info:Spokesperson: Bacardi-Martini, info@ SOURCE: Bacardi-Martini, Inc. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
CBS News
20-02-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
FIU students create unforgettable moments at South Beach Wine and Food Festival: "Once-in-a-lifetime opportunity"
MIAMI — The South Beach Wine and Food Festival has established itself as a premier destination event over its 24-year history, bringing together the world's most renowned chefs, culinary personalities, and top wine and spirits producers. But beyond the glamour and gastronomy lies a deeper purpose: 100% of the festival's profits benefit Florida International University's Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management. The impact has been substantial, according to Dean Michael Cheng. "Over $40 million," he said. "It all goes towards the Chaplin School of Hospitality and Tourism Management. It's helped students with scholarships. We've been able to build amazing state-of-the-art learning facilities with it too." The festival serves as a unique educational platform, with more than 1,500 students gaining hands-on experience in event management each year. Inside FIU's hospitality building, students are actively preparing for this year's festivities, which will feature over 105 events. Samantha Wagner, a second-year graduate student, plays a crucial role as a mentor to recruitment coordinators. "During the festival, there's over 30 different positions they can choose from," she explained. "Students can learn all different types of things front of house, back of house, if they want to do culinary and work alongside the chefs, they're able to do that as well." For many students, the festival creates unforgettable moments. Wagner shared one of her own: "I grew up watching Rachel Ray, and so I remember my first day volunteering at the festival, I was working a burger bash and I handed her a burger and she thanked me and it totally changed my world." Nicole Penafiel, a senior in the hospitality program, works as a recruiter encouraging other students to participate. "I want them to get involved and take advantage of this opportunity," she said. "I think this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity." The experience proves invaluable for students' future careers. As Wagner, who plans to enter event planning, puts it: "I know that my experience, no matter where I go, the part the festival has allowed me to learn a lot and so I can take it and go anywhere with it." Students will cover between 5,000 to 5,200 shifts during the four-day celebration. Despite its massive scale, Cheng emphasizes the festival's unique local character. "It's no place on the planet. And that's the feel and the vibe of South Beach," he said. "So the moment you come into the South Beach Wine Food Festival, you'll know you're in Miami Beach, South Beach, Florida. It's amazing." The festival's impact on local education continues to grow, with more than 30 FIU graduates currently employed by the festival itself, demonstrating its lasting influence on the South Florida hospitality industry.
Miami Herald
19-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
Here are some South Beach Wine & Food Festival events that still have tickets available
So you still want to attend this year's South Beach Wine & Food Festival but haven't gotten it together to buy tickets. It happens to the best (and hungriest) of us. There's good news, however, if you still want to go. Many events are sold out, especially the smaller dinners, but you can still get tickets to some of the larger events at the festival, which runs Feb. 20-23 and features more than 100 culinary events around Miami-Dade County. Net proceeds benefit the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management at Florida International University. Here are some of the events you can still attend. All tickets are available at Thursday Alex vs. Miami Alex Guarnaschelli of 'Alex vs. America' and Eric Adjepong of 'Wildcard Kitchen' host this late-night walk-around event that features locally and nationally famous chefs competing to create the best dish. Local chefs include Adrianne Calvo of Chef Adrianne's Vineyard Restaurant & Bar in Kendall; Karim Bryant of Lil Greenhouse Grill in Miami; and Mercedes Kozlowksi of Prime 112 on Miami Beach. 10 p.m.; Loews Miami Beach Hotel, 1601 Collins Ave., Miami Beach; $155 Friday 'Tournament of Champions' The first live competition of the popular Food Network series premieres on Miami Beach with host Guy Fieri under the big white tent near the Ritz-Carlton. At this walk around event, you get to be the judge: Four six-person chef teams of former Tournament winners and local and national rising stars will battle for the People's Choice Award, which you get to bestow. 7:30 p.m.; AmericanAirlines North Venue, off Lincoln Road and Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; $215 Steak and Whiskey If you are the sort of carnivore who likes his meat paired with whiskey, this event with Food Network star Michael Symon is for you. Expect grillers from far and wide and a variety of whiskey cocktails (wine is also available). 8 p.m.; Jungle Plaza in the Design District, 3801 NE First Ave., Miami; $250 Saturday FoodieCon Meet your favorite digital content creators as they participate in cooking demos, panels, signings and photo opportunities. Noon; Mondrian South Beach, 1100 West Ave., Miami Beach; $100 Drag Brunch It's not the SOBEWFF without a drag brunch, and this year's extravaganza will be hosted by Antoni Porowski, Ana Navarro and ChaCha, with Athena Dion as mistress of ceremonies. You can attend the show with beverages only or opt for the show/beverage/food package. Noon; Miami Beach Bandshell, 7275 Collins Ave., Miami Beach; $95 for show only; $185 for food and show Sip & Swirl Just because it's a food festival doesn't mean you have to forget about a wine-filled happy hour. This one takes place at the luxurious Casadonna and will feature more than 10 wine stations. 4 p.m.; Casadonna, 1737 N Bayshore Dr., first floor, Miami; $139 Sunset Feast You'll get a lot of bang for your buck at this Coconut Grove event, hosted by Belkys Nerey and Dan Le Batard, which will highlight dishes from chefs like Jeremy Ford, Jose Mendin, Brad Kilgore, Cindy Hutson and Alex Meyer and Luciana Giangrandi. 6 p.m.; The Hangar at Regatta Harbor, 3385 Pan American Dr., Miami; $139 Tacos & Tequila It's one big taco party on the beach at this lively gathering hosted by Aaron Sanchez, which features everything from veggie tacos to birria. There's also plenty of tequila drinks in the house — er, tent. 7:30 p.m.; AmericanAirlines North Venue, off Lincoln Road and Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; $219 Chicken Coupe Forget peanut butter and jelly. The real match made in heaven is fried chicken and champagne, which you can try for yourself at this Design District event hosted by Kardea Brown. 8 p.m.; Jungle Plaza in the Design District, 3801 NE First Ave., Miami; $259 Noche Cubana Michelle Bernstein and David Martinez of Sra Martinez and Cafe La Trova join Gio Gutierrez of @ChatChowTV to create a night of Cuban food, rum and music. We are in favor of all three of these things. 10 p.m.; Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel, 1717 Collins Ave., Miami Beach; $155 Sunday Farmers Market Brunch Chef Michael Schwartz of Michael's Genuine and Amara at Paraiso curates this family-friendly event that pays tribute to local farmers (and feeds you, too). Jungle Plaza in the Design District, 3801 NE First Ave., Miami; $149 adult, $59 under 21 Grand Tasting Village Saturday's event is sold out, but you can still attend the last day of the festival under the big tents. Noon; Grand Tasting Village, 14th Street and Ocean Dr., Miami Beach; $279 Heritage Fire Grilling is king at this Coconut Grove gathering, where grillmasters will vie for the title of 'Heritage Fire Hero.' 5 p.m.; The Hangar at Regatta Harbor, 3385 Pan American Dr., Miami; $155 Asian Night Market Enjoy a wide variety of Asian bites and a musical performance by rapper Rev Run. 6 p.m.; AmericanAirlines North Venue, off Lincoln Road and Collins Avenue, Miami Beach; $165
Miami Herald
16-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
‘Chefs just want to throw down': South Beach Wine & Food Festival gets more competitive
The South Beach Wine & Food Festival means many things to Miami. A way to learn more about food or wine (or both). A reason for a special dinner with friends or a raucous four-day party of welcome consumption. A chance to try specialties from local chefs or Food Network stars or even get a selfie with your favorite culinary social media personalities. It's also a benefit for the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management at Florida International University, which gets 100 percent of the net proceeds from the culinary bash. The festival reports that it has contributed $40 million to the school since it began as a one-day event called Florida Extravaganza in 1997. But it's also something else. With more than 100 events that include tastings and tributes, dinners and brunches, demonstrations and parties, the festival, which runs from Feb. 20-23 and is now in its 24th year, can also be a competition. Not every event pits chefs against each other, of course. Most don't. But for the 2025 event, which kicks off Feb. 20, the festival has embraced contests. According to festival founder Lee Schrager, the move makes sense: the consistent popularity of competitive television shows there's an appetite for good-natured rivalries. 'Look at the cooking shows — they're all competitions,' he said. 'The days of dump and stir are done.' This year's South Beach Wine & Food Festival has introduced several new cooking contests. On, Feb. 20 at the Loews Miami Beach, 'Chopped' judge Alex Guarnaschelli of 'Alex vs. America' and Eric Adjepong of 'Wildcard Kitchen,' host Alex vs. Miami, in which a panel of judges will choose the best dish. Competing local chefs include Adrianne Calvo of Chef Adrianne's Vineyard Restaurant & Bar in Kendall; Karim Bryant of Lil Greenhouse Grill in Miami; and Mercedes Kozlowksi of Prime 112 on Miami Beach. Fans of the Food Network series 'Tournament of Champions' will get to be part of the show's first ever live competition on Feb. 21 in South Beach. Guy Fieri will host the event as four six-person chef teams of former Tournament winners and local and national rising stars will battle for the People's Choice Award. Then on Feb. 23 in Coconut Grove is Heritage Fire, at which chefs will bust out their best grilled dishes and vie for the crown of Heritage Fire Hero as chosen by a panel of experts. Even the big Grand Tasting events over the weekend are competitions, a fact often lost on festival goers, especially those who leave the event over-served. Attendees vote on their favorite dishes, and the winner earns the Best Bite on the Beach prize. The festival's interest in competition also makes sense when you consider the nature of being a chef, Schrager said. If you're recognized as being the best or earn a Michelin star, you want to show what makes your dishes special. 'Chefs are very competitive people,' he said. 'Incredibly competitive. Take the Alex vs. Miami event this year: Alex Guarnaschelli is very competitive. And 'Tournament of Champions' is the highest rated show on Food Network, and this year we have more big talent at that event than we've ever had.' Diego Ng of Fort Lauderdale's Temple Street Eatery, who will be competing in the Heritage Fire grilling competition, agrees with Schrager's sentiments, although he says he approaches the contest element a little differently. 'There is definitely a competitive side to the job,' he says. 'You always think: 'How can I do it better than anybody else?' Lots of chefs just want to throw down! But I'm more Zen in my approach. I want to show the best I can be, but at the same time I just like to have fun. . . . As chefs we're always in our own little kitchens, in our own little world. Events like this let us say 'Hey, man, I admire your work.' You get to share the camaraderie.' The longest-running competition is also one of the most popular events of the festival: Burger Bash, which will be held this year on Feb. 20. Hosted by Rachael Ray, who hosted the very first Burger Bash in 2007, the event features local and national chefs vying to create the best burger. A panel of judges will choose the winner of The Very Best Burger Award, while the audience gets to vote on their favorites for the People's Choice Award. 'I'm constantly amazed by how popular it is,' Schrager said of the event. 'What can I say? It's like winning — people love it.' Among the many participants this year include Jeff Budnechky of Lala's Burgers and Kendall's beloved Apocalypse BBQ; Daniel Ganem of Fiola and Daniel's steakhouse in Fort Lauderdale; Renzo Cocchia of La Birra Bar; Gonzalo Rubino of Skinny Louie; and John Karangis of Shake Shake, to name a few. Also back to compete are former winners Motek, the Mediterranean restaurant that won the People's Choice Award two years in a row for its Lebanese-style Arayes Burger served in pita, and last year's winner Pincho, which earned the People's Choice Award for its Jalapeño Delight. The spicy burger, which comes with jalapeño jack cheese, jalapeño bacon jam, jalapeño bacon and cilantro jalapeño aioli, still finds its way onto the restaurant's menu from time to time. Winning the Burger Bash means a lot to the chefs and owners. Last year's judge's choice, Cowy Burger, was a pop-up at the time. After its win for a Angus smash patty with American cheese, bacon jam, grilled onions and Cowy sauce, owners Guillermo Felipe, Carlos Reveron and Daniel Machicao were able to open the first standalone Cowy Burger in Wynwood. The same thing happened to Pincho, which won its first Burger Bash in 2015, then again in 2019 and 2024. After its first win, the fast-casual restaurant expanded and now has six locations across South Florida in Miami, Coral Gables, Hialeah, Pinecrest, Pembroke Pines and Sunrise as well as four in Texas. Chef Adrian Sanchez said the first win galvanized the brand to compete. 'It means a considerable amount,' he says. 'The first year we won, we were an up-and-coming brand. It was life changing for us. It really put us on the map. Winning something like this carries a credential.' This year, as always, Pincho will be looking to take home another People's Choice Award. 'If we place with the judges, that's fine, but a lot of what the judges are looking for is the ideal burger,' he said. 'The people are looking for the wow factor. So every year we create something special. People make a beeline toward us because they know we're going to offer something new. Chefs do get competitive with these things.' South Beach Wine & Food Festival When: Feb. 20-23 Where: Locations around Miami-Dade County, particularly Miami Beach Tickets and information:
