• Outside of the Culinary Cafe
  • Student hostess at Culinary Cafe
  • Place settings at the Culinary Cafe
  • Salads prepped for Culinary Cafe service
  • Student server at the Culinary Cafe
  • Student working in the kitchen

Fall 2026 reservations for the Culinary Caf茅 will go on sale on Tuesday, Sept. 15 at 8 a.m.

The Culinary Caf茅, a reservation-only learning laboratory featuring various cuisine themes each Tuesday and Thursday, will be open starting at 11:30 a.m., Sept. 29 at its facility at 1401 Mound St.

Tickets are $15 each and include a three-course lunch and a drink.

Previously the home of former U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, the facility was renovated in spring 2022 to preserve the home鈥檚 history and elegance while adding a state-of-the-art commercial kitchen.

Caf茅 seating is limited and sells out fast, so make reservations early. In an effort to accommodate more guests, the Culinary Caf茅 will observe open seating. Therefore, patrons may be seated with another party.

Please plan to arrive no later than 12:15 p.m. to ensure service. Parking is available in Commuter Lot 56 off Starr Avenue and North Fredonia Street. For information about parking, please contact Parking Services at 936.468.7275.

Parking map for the Culinary Caf茅

On the day(s) of your reservation, bring your email confirmation printout with you for verification. If you do not receive an email confirmation, call 936.468.4502.

Fall 2026 dates and themes

  • Tuesday, Sept. 29: Country Cooking
  • Thursday, Oct. 1: Cajun
  • Tuesday, Oct. 6: Asian (Private Event)
  • Thursday, Oct. 8: European
  • Tuesday, Oct. 13: Latin
  • Thursday, Oct. 15: Polynesian
  • Tuesday, Oct. 20: Texas BBQ
  • Thursday, Oct. 22: Country Cooking
  • Tuesday, Oct. 27: Cajun
  • Thursday, Oct. 29: Fusion
  • Tuesday, Nov. 3: African (Private Event)
  • Thursday, Nov. 5: Creole
  • Tuesday, Nov. 10: Mediterranean
  • Thursday, Nov. 12: Asian
  • Tuesday, Nov. 17: European
  • Thursday, Nov. 19: Latin
  • Tuesday, Nov. 24: Fusion
  • Tuesday, Dec. 1: Polynesian (Private Event)
  • Thursday, Dec. 3: Texas BBQ
  • Tuesday, Dec. 8: Creole

Student-run caf茅 serves up the world

91直播鈥檚 student-run Culinary Caf茅 gives hospitality administration majors an opportunity to advance their food service and entrepreneurial skills in a real-world, white tablecloth setting.

The Culinary Caf茅 is a learning laboratory and collaborative educational effort. Under the culinary direction of Chef Todd Barrios and the service direction of Dr. Mary Olle, students plan menus, prepare meals and serve a usually sold-out crowd.

Open twice a week for lunch during the regular school year, the Culinary Caf茅 lets students explore globe-spanning cuisine, from Texas country cooking to Mediterranean specialties. The Culinary Caf茅 also hosts special events throughout the year for faculty and other guests.

All hospitality administration majors and some minors are required to participate in the Culinary Caf茅. Students enrolled in Advanced Culinary Preparation Lab and Managing the Guest Experience Lab courses will have the opportunity to be the General Manager and Chef of the Day, helping prepare them for management level careers.