Time, effort and thought go into preparing a meal, especially when it comes to young adults. In the West Ranch Cafeteria, countless hours of preparation go on behind the scenes.
The Deli section of the cafeteria serves all foods that should be cool and fresh, ranging from an assortment of salads, sandwiches and wraps, along with the occasional parfait. Ms. Debbie, who currently works at the Deli station, talks about the inner workings of the Cafeteria. “There’s a different rotation of people,” she explains. “So one person is at the Deli, the Grill, [and] the Pizzeria, and then at the end of the month they switch.”
Additionally, there are other stations that each employee is responsible for, such as the hot or cold food sections. But with any operation, there needs to be a system. To keep track of who is in charge or responsible for each station, the cafeteria has a chart that clarifies the roles and tasks needed for that station.
Ms. Debbie shares her experience: “This month, I’m in charge of the Adventure items for the entire month. The Adventures are very popular. If you notice, [it’s] the orange chicken, the penne pasta—it’s mostly the hot food and the rice dishes.”
To ensure safe consumption and preparation, there are certain recipes and procedures for preparing food in the cafeteria. As head overseer, Ms. Rita explains, “Our recipes come every month; I get them from my superiors. Once we get the recipes, we order the products. And the products all come from Goldstar.” Goldstar, the food company the cafeteria orders from, comes every morning.
But beyond the basic preparations, there are more complex steps to assembling certain meals. Ms. Debbie, who switches between the Deli and working with the hot food, says that “after each shift, we go back in [the kitchen] and we have 30 minutes to prepare for the following day. We start traying and then put it back in the fridge. The next day–that’s when we start cooking and packaging everything up.”
However, this method does not apply to every item on the menu. The hot food, as Ms. Debbie clarifies, needs to be prepared “the day you serve it. We don’t cool it. We have to cook it the day we serve it.” All these rules and regulations are for two things: to avoid food poisoning and to make a delicious, healthy meal.
But when the lunch bell rings, it is just a matter of time before a stampede of hungry students storms the hall, which is why the cafeteria depends on more than just its employees. Ms. Rita appreciates the campus supervisors, who help create a smooth flow of students that the staff can handle. “The campus supervisors are a great help…they’re really on it [to] take care of the kids who are cutting the line or not following the rules.” Mr. Arturo, the current cafeteria supervisor, expresses that it is not just about following the rules, but ensuring there is a convenient system set in place. “I just…make sure [that] it doesn’t get that crowded in there. That it doesn’t get too packed.” Mr. Arturo also explains what happens when someone breaks the rules. “I’ll call in another campus supervisor to come help me and to pull that child [out] to send them to the office.” But despite the trouble, it is a fulfilling labor. Mr. Arturo comments on his experience as a cafeteria and campus supervisor, saying, “I love it. I love the students. They’re great to hang out with.”
The cafeteria is not just about food. It is about the people and the relationships forged. Ms. Rita still remembers kids from five years ago. “We do remember the kids, y’know, because sometimes a kid will go to one line for all three years that they are here. And that leaves an impact, because we do remember them…And some do remember [us]. The biggest highlight for us is when they graduate. And we see them with their gowns and everything. It’s really bittersweet, but it’s something that all the staff look forward to.” Whether it is just getting a meal or staying steadfast to the Grill, Deli or Pizzeria, the Cafeteria is a staple of our Wildcats’ high school experience, and where lasting memories are made.
The Cafeteria is not just a building that pumps out food. It’s a place where thought, time, effort and meticulous attention are applied. So, Cats, next time you go to the Cafeteria, just remember to appreciate the food each staff member prepares for you–it is good!
