For more than two decades, Franco Vásquez has made career moves that might surprise his teenage self. He’d considered working in digital design, but a high school dishwashing job led to bussing and serving opportunities. Those roles sparked a management interest. Vásquez steadily climbed the ranks, diversifying with restaurant and housekeeping leadership positions before landing […]
More than 21,600 people work in Monterey County's hospitality industry, creating unforgettable experiences for the guests who make a $2.5 billion annual economic impact. And each year, the Monterey County Hospitality Association (MCHA) honors one outstanding industry member as its Hospitality Professional of the Year. For four decades, the honor has recognized ongoing service and […]
Monterey County Hospitality Association (MCHA) will honor the Hospitality Professional of the Year on Friday, March 31st at their Annual Awards Gala at Portola Hotel & Spa. This year’s honoree, Chef Bert Cutino, CMC, Cofounder/C.O.O. of The Sardine Factory Restaurant will be recognized for his on-going service and commitment to the local hospitality industry.
Kris Markus launched Illusions of Grandeur, her Monterey Peninsula event design and custom rental business, 38 years ago. She’s employed several team members for 15 years or more, and one has been with the company for nearly three decades. In addition to a overseeing a full-time staff of 10, Markus engages a network of part-time […]
Congressman Jimmy Panetta, the U.S. House of Representatives member for California’s 20th district, landed his first hospitality job in the seventh grade. Panetta rode his BMX bike to work at the Velvet Fox, a former Carmel Valley restaurant where he bussed tables. “I was a busboy until I spilled tartar sauce on a lady's dress, […]
Susanna Hoffman’s journey to a tourism degree began at Noodle Bar, in her hometown of Marina. The restaurant job she started at age 16 sparked an interest in hospitality, and she gained additional industry experience as a Monterey Bay Aquarium volunteer. Then, a high school counselor told Hoffman about hospitality and event planning courses at […]
Abigail Castillo was studying sustainable hospitality management at California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB) when she volunteered at a wine festival on the Colton Hall lawn. The experience introduced an enticing career path. "I got a quick introduction and then I spent the whole day pouring wine and talking to people. I just fell in […]
MCHA recognizes one local student annually with a scholarship opportunity to study Hospitality and Tourism. Susanna Hoffman is from Marina, California and is a College Senior studying Recreation, Parks, & Tourism Administration at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Her concentration is Event Planning and Experience Management. For the last year, she has been working four […]
Courses Geared towards Hospitality and Career Advancement at MPC Fall 2022 Customer Service & Sales HOSP 64: Customer Service (online this fall, (8/22 - 10/15) This highly practical class provides insight into the customer service environment and essential workplace skills, including problem-solving, dealing with difficult customers, and managing customer service. Communications basics of listening, non-verbal communication, and technology communications […]
Interested in learning more about Customer Service and Professionalism? The MCWDB is hosting two webinar workshops on "Customer Service" and "Professionalism in the Workplace" — MCHA members are welcome to attend at no cost.
Interested in scheduling a private in person group or Zoom RBS class for your team? Contact Central Coast RBS and mention that you are a MCHA member to receive a discounted rate. Darin Biamonte, Ownercentralcoastrbs@gmail.com805-694-8507www.centralcoastrbs.com
In accordance with Assembly Bill 122, all servers of alcohol and managers of servers are required to obtain Responsible Beverage Service Training (RBS) and a valid RBS certification as of July 1, 2022. Userve offers a state-approved RBS Training Program that provides a fast, accessible way to complete your training at your own pace, and 100% […]
Monterey County hospitality businesses are grateful to be welcoming back guests. For employees at local restaurants, hotels, wineries and attractions, recent months have been a time to safely reconnect with valued customers, colleagues and visitors. More than 27,000 people worked in Monterey County’s $3.24 billion tourism industry before the pandemic paused travel. Now, as businesses […]
As the Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa’s lead engineer, Sam Arevalo tackles plumbing, painting, drywall installation, electrical work, HVAC maintenance and more. He's the team's second-in-command, making decisions in the chief engineer’s absence, and he's earned industry awards for his work. Arevalo landed at the 290-room resort by way of Rancho Cielo, the Salinas facility […]
Prepare yourself to enter the workforce, or advance in the hospitality industry, with a Sustainable Food and Beverage Management Associate Degree! This degree program prepares students to work in the food and beverage industry. Students master the management skills necessary to work in both large and small operations, including restaurants, hotels, resorts, hospitals, schools, retirement […]
MPC Hospitality Program - Pastry Class 2022 Options for Enrollment Enroll for college credit or non-credit, professional development only**Contact Outreach@mpc.edu for non-credit, cost saving options Enroll in Fall or Spring: MPC Enrollment Information Scholarships available: The MPC Financial Aid Office and the Monterey County Workforce Development Board -Job Seeker Services have financial assistance available for […]
