Riverside Polytechnic High School Opens New Culinary Arts & Services Classroom with Ribbon Cutting

Riverside Polytechnic High School students now have access to a state-of-the-art classroom for the school’s Culinary Arts & Services Career Technical Education (CTE) pathway after the school debuted the space with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony on Sept. 9.  

Dubbed “Grizzly Grill,” Riverside Polytechnic High School’s new professional classroom workspace gives students a dedicated, industry-inspired environment to build career-ready skills through hands-on culinary experiences. Students create dishes ranging from honey garlic chicken and Korean BBQ chicken tacos to crème brûlée, while also learning to develop full menus, work alongside professional chefs, and organize catered events as part of a team.

“This is a transformative space for our student chefs and a tremendous source of Poly pride,” Principal Steven Ybarra said. “This facility brings together modern design and professional-grade equipment to give our students a realistic environment where they can refine their craft, explore their creativity, and pursue excellence in the culinary world.”

Riverside Unified currently offers 25 unique programs and 52 individual pathways designed to prepare students for college and careers. The district’s Culinary Arts & Services program, which is also offered at Ramona High School, prepares students for careers across the culinary, hospitality, food and beverage industries through hands-on experiences that combine academic knowledge, technical mastery, and professional skills.

“Career Technical Education is about giving our scholars opportunities to see themselves in the future they are building,” RUSD Superintendent Dr. Sonia Llamas said. “We are expanding opportunities for our students to discover their strengths, develop real-world skills, and explore careers that align with their interests and goals. Whether they are preparing for college, entering the workforce, or pursuing a career in a skilled industry, we want every scholar to leave Riverside Unified ready to take their next step with confidence.”

Designed to match the caliber of a professional commercial kitchen, the space features stainless steel equipment, specialized cooking stations, cold storage, and freezer units. The classroom also includes an instructional zone with a chef demonstration area equipped with cameras and screens, positioned in front of rows of tables that can seat up to 30 students. The setup allows students to watch demonstrations in real time and follow along as they put new techniques into practice.

The Culinary Arts & Services pathway prepares students for a wide range of careers, including chefs, pastry chefs, caterers, food truck operators, event planners, restaurant managers, food stylists, private chefs, and food and beverage professionals. The skills students develop through the program can also serve as a foundation for careers requiring advanced education and specialized training, including food scientists, registered dietitians, culinary educators, and restaurant owners.

“At Riverside Unified, we are committed to preparing our scholars for the future and helping them discover what they are good at and what they love to do,” RUSD Board President Dr. Noemi Hernandez Alexander said. “Our Career Technical Education programs create those opportunities by giving scholars the chance to learn by doing, build technical skills, and explore pathways that connect their interests to their futures.”