August 15, 2025

Newberry College Partners with Metz Culinary for Summer Camp

News Summary

Metz Culinary Management has introduced the Spatula Squad culinary camp in collaboration with Newberry College to enhance foodservice staff retention while offering local children a fun culinary education. Featuring a kid-friendly menu and safe cooking techniques, the camp not only delights participants but also encourages future cooking at home. With positive feedback from families, this initiative addresses staffing challenges during the summer months and aims to expand its offerings in the future.

Newberry, SC – Metz Culinary Management has launched a summer program known as the Spatula Squad culinary camp in partnership with Newberry College. The initiative aims to enhance staff retention in college foodservice during the summer months while providing local children with a fun and educational culinary experience.

The inaugural camp features a dream menu tailored for kids, including popular items such as chicken parmesan sandwiches, pizza bagels, turkey BLT wraps, spaghetti and meatballs, rice crispy treats, and chocolate chip cookies. Participants are not only enjoying these dishes but also learning safe cooking techniques that equip them to prepare meals at home.

Assistant General Manager Jasmin Bautista played a crucial role in organizing this community program and has reported positive feedback from both students and their parents. Many children expressed excitement about cooking at home after their participation, which has led parents to inquire about the offerings for next year’s camp.

The Spatula Squad culinary camp addresses a pressing issue within college foodservice—staff retention during the quieter summer months. The program provides a platform for employees to engage in additional work and maintain their connection with the community while contributing meaningfully during a typically slow season when students are away from campus.

Josh Christopher, a Regional Support Manager at Metz, highlighted that the program fosters benefits for both employees and families within the local community, ensuring that children have a positive and enriching culinary experience. Metz Culinary Management’s commitment to multi-generational culinary education is reflected in this initiative, aligning with the company’s philosophy since its founding in 1994 by John C. Metz.

Looking ahead, Metz Culinary Management plans to expand the Spatula Squad camp to include potential holiday mini-camps and advanced cooking sessions aimed at high school students in the near future. This development indicates a growing focus on culinary education that could engage even more members of the community.

The Spatula Squad culinary camp not only serves as a solution for staffing challenges but also positions itself as a valuable resource for children in the area, encouraging skills and interests that may last a lifetime. With the summer program receiving such a positive reception, Metz Culinary Management is optimistic about its future offerings and the impact they can have on the local community.

In summary, the Spatula Squad culinary camp launched by Metz Culinary Management and Newberry College is an innovative approach to tackling staff retention issues while providing a meaningful and educational summer experience for local children. As the program gains traction, it promises to expand and evolve, benefiting both employees and the community at large.