ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – Abilene ISD will soon be opening the Sky Café at The LIFT, where the public can enjoy a student-run culinary experience, slated to begin in March. 

Students have been preparing for this opening by learning to cook under the instruction of Jonathan West, a former Austin chef. 

Everything in this café is run by the students, giving them a unique opportunity to get real-world experience in the food service while at school. 

One student, Stephanie Rubner, told KTAB/KRBC, because of this way of learning, she was able to figure out that she wants to go to culinary school after she graduates. 

“I didn’t really know what I wanted, but then I got into culinary because I liked to cook, but I didn’t really know it was my passion until I got to experience everything the school had in store for me,” said Rubner. “In 10 years, I really want to own a restaurant and have everything made in-house.” 

The Sky Café is scheduled to open Wednesday, March 8, but you will be able follow this link to make a lunch reservation starting the first week of March.