West Hills Lemoore food service to become more permanent fixture at local campus

While the food service—which features food prepared by students in WHCL’s culinary and restaurant management classes— has been a presence on campus only intermittently since it opened in April, it will be open regularly from 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday starting on Aug. 31.

James Preston, Dean of Educational Services, said the Eagle Express has been beneficial to a wide variety of students beyond just serving as a food option on campus. 

“The Culinary students involved in the project will learn from preparing the food and serving the food,” he said. “The business students involved will be doing cost analysis, inventory analysis, marketing, and accounting for the Eagle Express. Additionally, we hope to engage Entrepreneurship and Computer Information Systems (CIS) students in the development and success of this through their skill sets.”

The project had a soft opening in April and May of this year, a five week window of research and development used to prepare for the official launch.

The Eagle Express has also provided food for special campus events. Sample items available to purchase are likely to include quesadillas, sandwiches and other healthy options.

A grand opening will be held on Sept. 9 and the Eagle Express will remain open this semester until Nov. 30.

Several faculty members have been involved in the project: Christian Raia (Culinary Instructor), Dan Beeler (Culinary v), Brian Kron (Business Instructor), David Rengh (CIS Instructor), Monte Paden (Entrepreneurship Instructor), Amy Babb (Hospitality Instructor), and Loren Kelly (Work Experience Instructor).