Oakland Community College (OCC) officially opened its new 78,000 square-foot, $74 million Culinary Studies Institute facility on the College’s Royal Oak campus. The premier facility provides students and area chefs with access to the most advanced culinary learning facility in Michigan. 

The new three-story building features two demonstration kitchens, five teaching kitchens and a 2,600-square-foot restaurant on the third floor. The restaurant, Seasoned Oak, offers 360-degree views of downtown Royal Oak and includes a full bar and custom glass wine storage room for student learning. The community is invited to share in the experience through restaurant reservations and events where students prepare and serve fine-dining meals as part of their training. 

“The new Culinary Studies Institute building will provide students with a bold and visionary culinary learning facility in an area known for hospitality and fine dining,” said OCC Chancellor Peter Provenzano, Jr. “This impressive new space represents OCC’s Future Plan in action and our commitment to innovation, collaboration, student success and community connection.” 

The new Culinary Arts Institute facility also includes: 

  • 3,400 square feet of flexibility space for OCC and community events and Community Education classes.  
  • Remote learning access to kitchens around the world, plus space for conferences and national culinary competitions. 
  • Sustainable design features, including a food waste recycling program. 

“This is truly an important milestone for the institution, and a wonderful way to honor our 60 years in the community and “set the table” for the next 60 years,” said Kathleen Bertolini, Chair of the OCC Board of Trustees. “Since OCC opened its doors in 1965, we have seen incredible changes – from fashion, to food, to teaching and learning. What hasn’t changed is our commitment to education and meeting the needs of our community.” 

Provenzano said the planning for this new facility involved input from faculty, students, community members, area chefs, and restaurants and industry leaders. He added that the college’s commitment to listening ensured the new facility reflected a collective vision for the future. 

“We shared our vision with the City of Royal Oak, and they guided and supported us throughout the process, culminating in this incredible facility” he said.  

To view photos from the event, visit Culinary Grand Opening. 

For more information about OCC’s new facility, visit Culinary Studies Institute.  To learn about the College’s award-winning Culinary Arts program, visit Culinary Education.  

About OCC    

Celebrating 60 years, Oakland Community College (OCC) has educated over one million students since 1965. OCC offers more than 80 degree and certificate programs and is committed to student success with affordable tuition, support services, flexible class options and top transfer opportunities. The College serves more than 20,000 students annually while advancing our community through education, training and career support. OCC is nationally recognized as Michigan’s top online college, and seventh in the U.S., by Newsweek’s  America’s Top Online Colleges 2025. Learn more at oaklandcc.edu.     

###    

Media Contact: Marketing & Communications | (248) 341-2020 | contactus@oaklandcc.edu