Knights Tavern Culinary Program Showcase

A dynamic 2-hour immersive experience highlighting student culinary talent and career opportunities in non-commercial foodservice. Participants will enjoy student-crafted tastings during a welcome reception, tour state-of-the-art teaching facilities, engage with industry leaders during a specialized panel discussion, and connect directly with culinary students. This tour is one of two exclusive experiences included with your MenuDirections 2025 registration.

Tour Agenda

Monday, November 17

Departure | 10:00am

Welcome Reception | 10:30am- 11:15am
Begin your experience with a taste of Knights Tavern excellence. As you arrive and get settled, enjoy our student-crafted signature offerings in convenient tasting portions. During this reception, the Knights Tavern student team will present an overview of their innovative culinary program, highlighting curriculum highlights, student achievements, and program goals. Following the presentation, you'll enjoy a comprehensive tour of our state-of-the-art teaching facilities.

Industry Insights Panel | 11:15am - 11:45am
FSD will moderate a specialized panel featuring distinguished foodservice directors from across the non-commercial segment and supplier side. This Q&A session will illuminate diverse career pathways in non-commercial foodservice, showcasing opportunities beyond traditional restaurant settings. Students will gain valuable insights into this rewarding yet often overlooked sector of the culinary industry.

Student Engagement | 11:45am - 12:00pm
Connect directly with the culinary leaders of tomorrow during our interactive Q&A session. Students will have the opportunity to engage with industry professionals either through a moderated group discussion or one-on-one networking conversations.

Return to Hotel | 12:00pm
Board transportation back to the Hilton Tampa Downtown, arriving in time for the MenuDirections Welcome Lunch.

An exclusive 90-minute behind-the-scenes exploration of attraction-based dining at one of Tampa's premier destinations. Tour Florida Aquarium's foodservice operations, featuring their innovative APEX installation, multi-venue management strategies, and specialized logistics tailored to attraction visitors. Foodservice professionals will guide you through their unique approaches to menu development, sustainability practices, and operational excellence in this distinctive setting. This tour is one of two exclusive experiences included with your MenuDirections 2025 registration.

Tour Agenda

Monday, November 17

Departure | 10:00 AM

Florida Aquarium Tour | 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Immerse yourself in the unique world of attraction-based dining with our comprehensive tour featuring:

• APEX Installation Showcase - An in-depth look at the aquarium's cutting-edge foodservice technology and systems.
• Operational Excellence - Explore how the foodservice team manages multiple dining venues within this dynamic attraction.
• Behind-the-Scenes Access - Discover the specialized logistics, menu development, and sustainability practices unique to aquarium dining environments.

Throughout the tour, foodservice professionals will share insights on meeting the diverse needs of attraction visitors while maintaining quality and efficiency in this distinctive setting.

Return to Hotel | 12:00 PM
Board transportation back to the Hilton Tampa Downtown, arriving in time for the MenuDirections Welcome Lunch.

This exclusive opportunity offers valuable insights into specialized foodservice operations within one of Tampa's premier attractions.