Indulging in culinary school cuisine
October 12,2015
The Dollhouse Restaurant is a student-run business of the Culinary Arts program at Stafford Technical Center. With 16 years at STC between them, culinary instructors Lisa Fennimore, who holds a business management degree from New England Culinary Institute, and Greg Lynch, a Culinary Institute of America graduate, are well-equipped to oversee their class of 10 first-year students, six second-year students, and one third-year student. Here, Fennimore discusses the business which has been operating since STC opened.
What is the nature of your business?
We operate the Dollhouse Restaurant, a fine dining establishment, the Bakeshop, selling deli-type food for staff and students and a catering business.
How/why did the company begin? What was the inspiration, the story behind its beginning?
Culinary Arts was one of the first Stafford programs when the center opened in 1974. The Dollhouse is named for Henry Doll, STC’s first director. I understand our program has grown significantly over the years, and now we serve all types of cuisine for all types of occasions, from weddings to barbecues to business meetings, from sushi to mussels Provençal to chiles rellenos. All of our breads and pastries are made in house, and we can accommodate most dietary restrictions.
How did you get where you are today with the business (has it changed focus, grown, downsized, etc.)?
In recent years, we have encouraged second- and third-year students to embrace managerial roles and steer the direction of our businesses. Our customers keep coming back because our students are hardworking and friendly, our prices are very reasonable and our food is delicious.
As a student-run business, does it differ from how other businesses are run? What makes it unique? What is its most appealing aspect to customers?
We have more hands on deck than other food businesses so we can get a lot done in a day. We love a challenge.
Teacher: What is the most important thing you’ve learned as head of a student-run business?
Never underestimate what teenagers can accomplish! If you have high expectations and treat them like professionals, they will act accordingly. It’s so cool to see people who are so very different come together for the common goal of serving great food. I’ve been here long enough that some of my former students have now graduated from culinary schools. It’s so fun to hear where they are going professionally.
Student: What is the most important lesson you have learned in helping run this business?
Shyanna Withington, a third-year student: To be patient, especially with customers.
Jasmine Palmer, a second-year student: To work efficiently.
Cherie Smith, a second-year student: To be kind to everyone and treat them fairly, like you would like to be treated.
Contact information
The Dollhouse Restaurant is open Tuesday through Thursday for lunch with seatings between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. (reservations strongly recommended); bakeshop is open from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday.
Like “The Dollhouse Restaurant” on Facebook to view current menus and activities. Reservation line: 770-1041. The restaurant is available for private functions and meetings, catering off site also available.
If you are a locally owned Rutland area small business or sole-proprietorship and would like to be featured in A Business Story, please contact [email protected].