FGCU School of Resort & Hospitality Management Collaborates with U.S. Personal Chef Association

FORT MYERS, Fla. - June 30, 2015 - PRLog -- FORT MYERS, Fla. – The School of Resort and Hospitality Management at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) will collaborate with the United States Personal Chef Association (USPCA) to support and develop educational platforms for chefs and entrepreneurs.

    Dr. Randall Upchurch, director of the school within the Lutgert College of Business, will research trends in American dining behavior along with the USPCA, while creating an academic outline for continuing education, training and certifications for food entrepreneurs and chefs and for sustaining viable business plans.

    “FGCU’s growth in the hospitality industry will rely more on niche-specific areas of associations and trade industries within the hospitality and tourism industry,” Upchurch said.

     Vice President of USPCA Robert Lynch sought an academic institution that can raise the level of social consciousness to the personal chef marketplace. “Our relationship with FGCU allows us to enrich the education and training opportunities for our members as well as support the research necessary to strengthen the U.S. market share of dining options,” said Lynch.

    The USPCA represents nearly 1,000 members across North America, and provides them with business development, insurances and benefits, and educational training to maintain and grow their personal chef business. The association also provides a public website, HireAChef.com, for specific urban markets to locate certified and insured personal chefs who provide in-home culinary services.

    For more information about the FGCU School of Resort and Hospitality Management, visit www.fgcu.edu or call Randall Upchurch at (239) 590-7318.

-FGCU-