Chiles Restaurant Group Contracts with Cultural Homestay International
Employing J-1 Year-round Hospitality Students
ANNA MARIA, FLA. (June 21, 2016) – The Chiles Restaurant Group, a collaboration of three Gulf Coast waterfront restaurants – The Sandbar on Anna Maria Island, The Beach House on Bradenton Beach, and Mar Vista Dockside on Longboat Key – has recently partnered with Cultural Homestay International (CHI) as a newly contracted host business sponsoring internships for international hospitality students in various culinary positions. By introducing rich cultural diversity with international culinary techniques and trends, the Group intends to continue its mission to become a leader in regional culinary innovation.
Of the 60 International Hospitality student candidates interviewed, six were ultimately selected to represent the inaugural Internship Team in what the Chiles Restaurant Group is confident will be a long-term initiative to continue developing its culinary program and employees. Upon arrival to the United States, the Group assisted with transportation, coordinated housing and provided an extensive orientation and onboarding process.
“It’s extremely rewarding to be able to hire and work with such bright, eager and passionate international students who have so much to offer to our uniquely distinct waterfront dining experiences,” Robert Baugh (Chief Operating Officer of The Chiles Group) said. “As an organization, we learn from these students. Each one of them brings a part of their culture and heritage to the restaurants and in to our culinary offerings. We are so grateful for our partnership with CHI and look forward to welcoming these students to our island paradise.”
This year, the Chiles Restaurant Group is employing culinarian students from the Philippines, Columbia and Moldova. In addition to training and working their way through all three restaurants, each will participate in various affiliated or hosted events throughout the year – such as Food and Wine on Pine, the Affair to Remember, the annual Independence Day Fireworks extravaganza – while experiencing the area’s rich culture and natural resources.
CHI is a non-profit educational organization founded in 1980 to promote international understanding and goodwill through people-to-people exchanges. They believe that the best way to build bridges of friendship and trust among people is to experience directly each other’s customs, languages and values. CHI aspires to share the benefits of cultural interchange with the many nations of the earth in the deeply held conviction that such exchanges ultimately contribute to a more prosperous and peaceful world.
ABOUT CHILES RESTAURANT GROUP
The Chiles Restaurant Group, consisting of the Sandbar, Beach House and Mar Vista Dockside restaurants, offers toes in the sand, waterfront dining, serving farm to fork, gulf to table and pasture to plate locally sourced and sustainable menu items in spectacular settings with uncompromised customer service. The Sandbar and Beach House and its affiliate, The Studio at Gulf and Pine offer unique venues for events and weddings. With customized menu items, exceptional planners and breathtaking views, these venues are ideal for any occasion. For more information on The Chiles Restaurant Group, visit www.islanddining.com or call (941) 778-8705.
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