Culinary
Culinary Arts Institute

Culinary Studies Institute

Coming Soon  

OCC broke ground on an all new Culinary Studies Institute at the Royal Oak campus. Learn more....

Why Choose OCC?

Prepare for a career in the culinary arts! Become an executive chef with real-world industry experience.

Our program is accredited by the American Culinary Federation. Experience hands-on cooking and baking coursework. Gain top-notch skills that span the culinary industry, including: 

  • Cost analysis
  • Event planning
  • Guest services
  • Menu development
  • Wine and spirits

Compete in food competitions. Be part of OCC's award-winning Ice Carving Team. Find your fit here.

Chef Bardell

Chef Bardell Delivers Culinary Flair to Seniors

“Think like an artist, follow your passion, and find inspiration around you.” Read Brad's Story

Tools For Success

Are you a foodie looking to advance your skills as a baker or chef? Or do you want to explore a career in hospitality management? The Culinary program at OCC teaches hands-on skills. Learn techniques that advance your career in the food and service industry. 

Dining Experiences at OCC

Join us and support our culinary students by attending an a OCC restaurant or special event

Not sure about your food career path?

Whether it’s personal enrichment or professional development you’re after, you can start learning new culinary skills by exploring culinary continuing education classes offered throughout the year. 

Start Your Someday in Culinary

A career in culinary arts? Start your someday with a degree or cert from our leading culinary program. Apply today.

Culinary Career Paths

Culinary Arts Degree

The Culinary Arts program is accredited by the American Culinary Federation. The curriculum prepares students for a career in culinary arts that may lead to an executive chef position with industry experience. Learn more about the Culinary Arts Degree.

Pastry Art Certificate

The Pastry Art Certificate is designed to prepare the student for a career in Baking and Pastry Arts. Some Pastry Chefs may specialize in breads, tortes or even wedding cake design. Learn more about the Pastry Art Certificate. 

Management Development Degree with Hospitality Track

Management Development Degree with Hospitality Track

This program, leading to an Associate in Applied Science Degree, is designed to develop skills and knowledge essential for employment in the hospitality industry including food and beverage operations, guest services, sales and event planning. Learn more about the Management Development Degree with Hospitality Track.

 

Culinary Events

Each year the Culinary institute offers a wide range of culinary special events, student-run events, planning and executing banquet and buffet-style events, developing innovative menus and more.

Students who want to take the next step in exploring their culinary career can attend an upcoming virtual orientation.

 

Upcoming Culinary Events

Nutrition through the Human Life Cycle
March 22, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM @ Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital First Floor Demonstration Kitchen
Culinary In-Person Orientation
March 25, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM @ Orchard Ridge Campus - Building J Room J-293
High Tea
April 04, 11:15 AM - 1:00 PM @ Orchard Ridge Campus - Building J J404
National Signing Day
April 17, 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM @ Auburn Hills Campus - Building G 240
Springtime in Michigan Dinner
April 18, 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM @ Orchard Ridge Campus - Building J J306
Tea Party Classics, a Royal Treat
April 23, 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM @ Orchard Ridge Campus Building: J, Room: 130
Culinary Virtual Orientation
April 24, 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM @ Virtual Event
Culinary Virtual Orientation
June 24, 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM @ Virtual Event

See all culinary events

 

Restaurants

Oakland Community College offers an array of cuisine options open to both on campus staff and students as well as the general public. Menu items include freshly prepared food prepared by OCC culinary students. Come dine at one of OCC's restaurants

Ridgewood Bakery: Purchase fresh baked goods from our bakery counter. We have a great selection of beautiful breads, pies, Danish, cookies and more. All are made in-house by our baking program students. Open on Tuesdays - Closed for WI24 Semester 

Ridgewood Carry-Out: Features our delicious Ridgewood menu as a convenient grab-n-go lunch! Open on Mondays and Tuesdays from 1/16/24 to 2/19/24 on3rdfloor of J Building from 11:30-1 PM - Closed on February 13th

Ridgewood Café: Where students prepare items from scratch. Entrees are between $7 and $12 and include a well-balanced meal. Open on Mondays and Tuesdays from 1/16/24 to 2/19/24 - Closed on February 13th 

Reflections: Patrons may select one of three entrees from our prix fixe menu which can be paired with a glass of wine or beer. Open in WI24: March 14 - April 17th