Special Events Class Tours Rocky Top Catering
Owner and CEO of Rocky Top Catering Dean Ogan recently welcomed Meredith College’s event management students to tour their facility in Raleigh, NC.
Rocky Top welcomed adjunct faculty (and alumnae) Dana Kadwell and Courtney Hopper and their class showcasing its top-notch service with a spread of snacks and goodies for the students to enjoy before and after the tour.
The students were able to see the preparation and production that it takes to execute multiple events in a week while also learning about the roles Rocky Top plays in the sustainability of the events industry and the surrounding community. Whether that is through a zero-waste philosophy, or paying a living wage to all employees, Rocky Top is leading the charge in creating a more sustainable events industry.
Meredith students were also able to learn about the many efforts Rocky Top spearheaded to help its local community during COVID. Having a large staff and the ability to produce lots of food at once, they were able to partner with Overflowing Hands and serve 750,000 meals, milks, and over 4 million pounds of fresh produce to neighboring families and students who were no longer able to receive meals from their local schools.
The students were wowed by all the work that goes on behind the scenes in producing a meal for an event. They were able to ask questions and gain a better understanding of all that goes into planning a special event.
Photo information: Students pictured are Chloe Dixon, Brie Cadwell, Emma Thompson, Kaylee Haas, Lindsey Simmons, Allison Bunce, Kathryn Garrett, Tylena Brown, Anna Millet. Main photo credit: Courtesy of Rocky Top Catering, photo by carolinamediastar