FORT WORTH, Texas — As DFW demand for skilled culinary and hospitality professionals continues to grow, Tarrant County College is addressing the challenge. The TCC Foundation recently hosted its inaugural hospitality and culinary arts industry luncheon to strengthen the bond with local employers and showcase TCC student potential.
Held in TCC Southeast’s new industry-aligned facilities, the event highlighted TCC’s commitment to connecting students with meaningful employment. Guests were treated to a gourmet lunch prepared and served by TCC Southeast students, and that set the stage for an afternoon of networking and collaboration.
Department leaders presented how employers can work with TCC Southeast, from internships to mentorship to hiring pathways. Attendees received a QR code linking to a partnership form, and Arlington Mayor Jim Ross scanned it, initiating internship discussions for his two restaurants, Mercury Chophouse and Hearsay Arlington.
Mayor Ross was joined by representatives from the Arlington Convention & Visitors Bureau, Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce, Texas Rangers, Visit Forth Worth, Asset Funders Network and local restaurateurs, all of whom expressed an interest in supporting the next generation of hospitality professionals.
A highlight of the event came from TCC alumni sharing how their education led to rewarding careers.
Alumnus Mark Muhammad recounted his journey after earning a degree in hospitality management: “When I graduated from TCC, the doors at Marriott opened for me. From Wyndham, I moved to Marriott in 2022 for a better position. In 2023, I became general manager at Homewood Suites by Hilton in Arlington.”
Alumni Symone Dixon, program coordinator for Leadership Fort Worth, and John VanZee, a Snooze an A.M. Eatery supervisor, also spoke about their post-graduation experiences and the impact TCC had on their professional success.
Before the event concluded, TCC leaders, including trustees from the TCC board and the TCC Foundation board, engaged attendees in conversations about improving the connection between academic programs and career pathways for culinary and hospitality management students.
“It was an honor to welcome this distinguished group of leaders in hospitality and the culinary arts,” said TCC Chancellor Elva LeBlanc. “Their presence today is a testament to the vital role that education and industry collaboration play in cultivating economic growth and a robust talent pipeline.”
She said she anticipates “continued conversations that will guide us in better serving the business community of Tarrant County.”
About Tarrant County College
Celebrating 60 years of excellence and impact in 2025, Tarrant County College is one of the nation’s largest higher education institutions and boasts the second lowest tuition of Texas’ Top 10 community colleges. A comprehensive community college with six campuses in Tarrant County, TCC offers a range of opportunities for learners of all ages and backgrounds, including Associate of Arts and Associate of Applied Science degrees; workforce and economic development programs; technical and skilled trades programs; and customized training for area businesses and corporations.
