Food Truck classes now available at Hennepin Tech

Brooklyn Park, May 17, 2022 – Whether it’s an enormous spicy taco, award-winning barbeque, sliders or gourmet cuisine – the most celebrated menu items these days are most often served on-the-go from a food truck.

Now, people who are interested in owning a food truck or culinary small business may enroll in the new Culinary Entrepreneur program at Hennepin Technical College (Hennepin Tech).

Fall classes are now enrolling. Homework assignments will include creating elevated and fun “street eats.”

“Food trucks and culinary start-ups aren’t just trending, they are now revolutionizing the food industry. These new businesses are a financial investment and we’re providing education and training that are tailored to help food entrepreneurs succeed,” said Mark Johnson,” academic dean, Hennepin Tech.

Hennepin Tech offers the only food truck classes in the Minnesota State system. Students may earn a Culinary Entrepreneur associate degree or certificates. For those who prefer a fast-track option, a certificate can be completed in as few as eight months.

Preparing marketable food products is at the heart of the new program. Students will enjoy hands-on training, menu planning, budgeting and cooking in two professional kitchens and a simulated food truck on campus. While gaining classic culinary skills, students will be challenged to create innovative flavor profiles by expressing their creativity and culture through food.

Leading chefs and food entrepreneurs visit campus for engaging demonstrations and discussions. More opportunities for learning are available with an active student culinary club.

In addition, “foodpreneurs” will take classes that advance their business skillset in areas such as accounting, communications, and marketing. Gaining the foundation for small business management is designed to help avoid some of the costly trail-and-error mistakes that may occur with the launch of a new business. Hennepin Tech offers free tutoring and career counseling.

The Culinary Entrepreneur degree and certificates are an expansion to the college’s Culinary Arts program which is ranked in the top 20 nationally and accredited by the American Culinary Federation.