Emery’s Grand Opening

Emery’s, NIC’s student-operated restaurant, enjoyed a grand opening for the fall semester on Wednesday.

Jeff Jenkins, culinary arts instructor, greets Misty Dauncey of CDA and John Waters, NIC business major. Photo by Hannah Neff.

On Mondays and Tuesdays the students have their sit down class time. Then Wednesdays and Thursdays they work in the kitchen.

“That’s like our lab,” said Kiah Harris, a second-year student going for an associate degree in culinary arts. 

On a lab day, the kitchen is typically staffed with about 20 students who make all the food from scratch, down to the almond ice cream in this week’s dessert. 

Lucas Hebert sets up the dishes to be served. Photo by Hannah Neff.

“The chilled bisque was very good,” said Randell Barry, a first-time customer and photography major.

Every week, Emery’s offers a new menu change.

“We have a two-year program, so the second-year students are creating the menus for the dining room, and the first-year students are doing a lot of prep and knife skills. They’re kinda working on their foundational skills,” said Jeff Jenkins, one of the culinary arts instructors who specializes in front of house and business. “It’s a learning atmosphere.”

Evan Bailey, culinary arts student, dresses up a salad for an artistic presentation. Photo by Hannah Neff.

The restaurant has been around for 20-plus years and is currently in the first phrase of a remodel. 

“We’re working with the Art Department, so they’ll have student art on all the walls,” said Jenkins.

Chili black bean burger. Photo by Hannah Neff. 

Emery’s operates as a non-profit and all funds from sales go back into the program to cover funds for food and equipment for the kitchen. 

Customers enjoy opening day. Photo by Hannah Neff.

Emery’s offers waterfront dining and is located in second floor of the Hedlund building. The restaurant is open both fall and spring semesters on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. For reservations, call (208) 769-7763. You can also find the weekly menu on their Facebook page or Instagram.