Jacksonville, Arkansas — Jacksonville High School has turned a classroom project into a fully operational public restaurant called Simply Delicious. Open Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the eatery serves a new menu each week and is staffed largely by high‑school students learning the full spectrum of restaurant work.
Students learn recipes, service and certification
Family and Consumer Science teacher Bailey Holt explains that students not only practice cooking techniques but also handle front‑of‑house duties. “We have waitresses, waiters, and they are learning the recipes, cooking,” Holt said. All student workers hold Food Handler Certifications, ensuring safety and professionalism in the kitchen.
Alumni chef guides the kitchen
Chef Xavier Greene, a 2006 graduate of the program, returned to help run the kitchen and develop the weekly menus. Greene highlighted popular items such as the house rolls and the Cajun chicken alfredo, both of which have become top sellers. “We have some stellar items on our menu like our rolls and our alfredo that are top sellers,” he noted.
Career pathways and academic credit
Although participants do not receive formal course credit, they earn a grade for their work and gain experience that can launch careers in the culinary field. “Maybe they want to go to culinary school, or they just want to be a hotel worker, or a food and beverage director,” Greene said.
Junior Michael London, a student employee, described his growing enthusiasm for the trade. “At first it was like, ‘dang, I’m in a cooking class,’ I never thought anything of it,” he recalled. “But then as it went, I just started liking it. I love the grill; I love the stove,” London added, indicating a clear interest in pursuing culinary work after graduation.
Community reception and catering services
KATV reporter Chris Gay visited the restaurant and gave the Cajun chicken alfredo a five‑star rating, praising the dish and the accompanying garlic herb and honey dinner rolls. The positive review underscores the restaurant’s reputation for quality food at reasonable prices.
Beyond daily service, Simply Delicious has expanded into catering. The program recently provided food for a Retired Teachers Association event, demonstrating its ability to support local organizations while giving students broader exposure to event planning and large‑scale food preparation.
Looking ahead
With the program back in full force after a brief hiatus, Jacksonville High School hopes the restaurant will continue to enrich student learning, foster community ties, and showcase the value of hands‑on education in the culinary arts.
Original reporting: KATV Little Rock (local) — read the source article.
