Fanshawe College flight attendant students are gaining real-world experience by serving diners during a 12-week Monday dinner series at Katana Kafe and Grill, located near London International Airport.
By working in a runway-side restaurant, students get a chance to practice the same skills they will use when assisting passengers on flights.
Each week, students serve a different three course set menu prepared by the restaurant while practicing customer service and hospitality skills.
Planes take off outside Katana Kafe and Grill
XFM Reporter Melissa Ghanoum
“This part of the program focuses on customer service and hospitality,” said Peggy Wilton, a professor in the flight services program at Fanshawe College. “Many students have never served in a restaurant before, so this gives them experience in an upscale environment.”
The partnership between Fanshawe College and Katana Kafe is entering its fifth year.
“We’re going into our fifth year now, and it’s one of a kind,” Wilton said. “There’s nothing like it across Canada. It’s the perfect restaurant, with the runway right behind us and planes taking off.”
Peggy Wilton, a professor in Fanshawe College’s flight services program, at Katana Kafe and Grill. XFM Reporter Melissa Ghanoum
For student Arzu Wafa, the program aligns with her long-term career goals.
“I’ve always wanted to travel around the world, and I think being a flight attendant or somewhere in the aviation world would take me there,” Wafa said.
Arzu Wafa, a Fanshawe College flight attendant student XFM Reporter Melissa Ghanoum
Student Warren Maron said her interest in becoming a flight attendant began at a young age.
“I knew I wanted to get into the aviation industry since I was in elementary school,” Maron said. “My aunt was a flight attendant for Royal Jordanian, and seeing her in her uniform was always really cool to me.”
Warren Maron, a Fanshawe College flight attendant student XFM Reporter Melissa Ghanoum
From behind the scenes, kitchen staff say the partnership has become a regular and positive part of restaurant operations.
“The Fanshawe flight attendant program has been coming here for about five years now, and it’s been really great,” said Cameron Bonnyman, a cook at Katana Kafe. “We’ve had good business from it, and it’s been a lot of fun.”
Cameron Bonnyman, a cook at Katana Kafe and Grill XFM Reporter Melissa Ghanoum
Katana Kafe manager Heather Coghill said the collaboration benefits both students and the restaurant.
“We enjoy being able to provide an opportunity for students to practice their skills in real-life situations in a safe and fun environment,” Coghill said. “Katana Kafe benefits from the students, the faculty and their connections learning where our restaurant is located and what we are all about. It is a win-win.”
XFM Reporter Melissa Ghanoum
As for Diners, the different menus add to the experience.
“I don’t think they’ve ever served this menu before, so I’m really excited to try what they have,” said diner Gian Kris Caliao.
The dinner series runs every Monday from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., with tickets priced at $45 per person. Reservations are required through the restaurant.
