Seattle Restaurant Management Schools
Students who'd like to pursue a restaurant management certificate within the city limits have only one option that's a public school, but those willing to travel a little farther can find relevant training at a second nearby institution. Read about the learning opportunities and coursework available at these two schools below. There's also a table of statistics for further comparison of the colleges.
- Located about seven miles south of downtown, South Seattle Community College offers a program that allows students to prepare for their restaurant management careers in a variety of on-campus dining and food service facilities. Graduates of the program are awarded a certificate in catering and banquet operations.
- Clover Park Technical College is a 2-year school located about 39 miles away from central Seattle in Lakewood, Washington. In addition to a certificate in restaurant management, students can select from several programs in the culinary arts.
Comparison of Schools
After reading what the featured colleges have to offer academically, review this table to find out even more about the institutions. It contains a number of facts on costs, student retention, enrollment numbers, school settings and more.
| South Seattle Community College | Clover Park Technical College | |
|---|---|---|
| School Type | 4-year, public; primarily associate's | 4-year, public; primarily associate's |
| Total Enrollment (2021)* | 4,893 | 2,846 |
| Campus Setting | Large city | Small city |
| Tuition and Fees (2021-2022)* | $4,831 | $5,740 |
| % of First-Year Students Receiving Some Form of Financial Aid (2020-2021)* | 70% | 71% |
| Acceptance Rate (2021)* | Open admissions | Open admissions |
| Retention Rate (2021)* | N/A | N/A |
| Graduation Rate (Students who began in 2015)* | 30% | 31% |
Source: *NCES College Navigator
South Seattle Community College
South Seattle Community College is a division of the Seattle Community College District. The National Restaurant Association ranks its culinary arts programs among the best in the nation. The school also boasts culinary competition award winners.
Certificate in Banquets and Catering
In this 119-credit-hour program, students acquire both management and food production skills through work experience in the school's food court, café, cook-to-order, and formal dining rooms. The program is accredited by the American Culinary Federation.
Topics of study include purchasing, quantity production and inventory management techniques. Students take courses covering health, sanitation and nutrition as well. They also learn how to prepare baked goods and cold food for banquets and catered events as well as control costs, train employees and provide excellent customer service.
Clover Park Technical College
Clover Park Technical College offers culinary arts programs in such areas as basic cooking and pastry arts. Curriculum for its restaurant management certificate combines hands-on experience with coursework and is designed to meet the training standards established by the National Restaurant Association.
Certificate in Restaurant Management
The restaurant management certificate takes about two quarters to complete and covers topics in personnel management, restaurant opening and closing procedures, cost control techniques and catering production. Students study hospitality law and food service nutrition as well. They also learn how to develop a business plan, handle public relations, market their business and manage a restaurant's finances. Students can apply the program's 44 credit hours toward an associate's degree in the culinary arts.
