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What’s Cooking at Copley High School?

Sep 29, 2026

Ok, so here’s a cool thing…

Did you know that Copley High School has a student-run restaurant?

And did you also know that that restaurant is, at times, open to the public?

​Copley High School’s Bistro 81​ is the home of the Four Cities Compact’s Culinary Arts Program, and it really is impressive. Students don’t just learn how to cook. They learn menu planning, food preparation, restaurant operations, customer service, hospitality, and the countless behind-the-scenes details that go into running a successful restaurant.

Even better, they get to put those skills into practice by operating a real restaurant that serves actual customers!

I, myself, have been one of those actual customers many times over. I’ve attended a few PTA luncheons in my day, and now the Copley Chamber hosts our annual Holiday Luncheon at the Bistro every December. With the choir coming in and performing while we eat, it’s not only a delightful way to celebrate the holidays with our members, but also an amazing opportunity to showcase what our students can do.

In fact, the Culinary Arts Program has produced graduates who have gone on to careers ranging from executive chefs and restaurateurs to internationally recognized culinary professionals. Longtime instructor Chef Joe Schmeltzer was himself a graduate of the very program he later led for more than three decades, making an impact on generations of students.

And in case you haven’t heard… ​one well-known graduate​ has even gone on to compete both internationally and on the Food Network!

Today, the program continues under the leadership of Sandra Stewart, who is now in her second year as instructor and is carrying on the legacy of providing students with valuable real-world experience.

Now that the students have settled into the school year, Bistro 81 is officially open to the public on select days. Those days vary, as does the menu, so be sure to visit their website before you plan your visit. You can always find it on the school district’s website under the Community tab.

And if you’ve never visited Bistro 81, I highly recommend checking it out. Great food, real-world student learning, and a chance to support the next generation of culinary professionals?

I gotta say it (because I just can’t help myself)…

That’s a recipe for success right there!

CFCS Website

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Member Shoutouts

Have you said “hello” to a Copley Chamber member lately? Well, here are a few you can say “hello” to!

▪️ Cruz Roofing Company

▪️ NEW Hope for Everyday Life

▪️ Juice Plus+: Sandra Wentz

▪️ Krown Akron

▪️ Leader Publications

▪️ You Got This Marketing

Learn about these members and many more in the Member Directory.

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