The University of Cape Coast (UCC), through the Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management, has opened a new Chinese restaurant.
The restaurant, known as Luban, located in the cafeteria building near Casely Hayford Hall, has established itself as a top destination for Chinese cuisine
The Luban Restaurant is the result of a partnership between UCC and the Tianjin Economics and Trade School.
It is poised to render top-quality service to members of the university community and its environs in a healthy environment.
It offers friendly, welcoming services and attends to customers’ needs within an appropriate time frame.
The Luban Restaurant is not just a food service facility; it is a classroom, a laboratory, and a bridge to the professional world.
Some chefs at the kitchen
The restaurant also has a conference room which can host up to 100 patrons for various events.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Provost of the College of Humanities and Legal Studies, Professor Daniel Agyapong, underlined the restaurant’s role in enriching the student experience.
He stated that the restaurant was a vital resource for students, explaining that it would serve as a practical laboratory, providing invaluable experience and equipping them with a highly sought-after skill.
Prof. Agyapong advised the staff of the restaurant to uphold two core values in its operations, consistency in the quality and taste of the food, and a commitment to excellent service.
For his part, the Head of the Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management, Professor Ishmael Mensah, said the partnership between the two institutions had transformed a ramshackle into an ultramodern Chinese restaurant with state-of-art equpment and and facilities capable of catering for over 100 guests at time.
According to him, through the restaurant, students gained hands-on experience in Chinese culinary techniques, food production, customer service, menu design, and restaurant management.
Prof. Ismael Mensah addressing the gathering
"They will interact with real customers, handle real issues, and develop practical skills. The Luban Workshop restaurant is a place where theory meets practice," he added.
Prof. Mensah paid glowing tribute to the Confucius Institue and the Tianjin Economics and Trade School led by Prof. Pan Rogna, stressing: " Your commitment, expertise, resources, and spirit of partnership has been the cornerstone of this project."
He appealed to the general public to patronise the Luban Workshop restaurant.
" Bring your friends here for lunch. Book our conference room for your meetings. Celebrate your family milestones here. Host your visiting friends in theis unique space. Remember, every meal you enjoy here is a direct investment into the future of a student," he contined.
The opening ceremony was well attended by students and staff of the University.