Atlantic Cape Academy Of Culinary Arts Celebrates 40 Years

MAYS LANDING, NJ — This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Academy of Culinary Arts at Atlantic Cape Community College.

“The Academy of Culinary Arts has been an important part of educating and preparing the culinary workforce in southern New Jersey and will continue to be as we adapt to the changing needs of the hospitality and tourism industry,” said Chef Tim O’Donnell, Director of the Academy of Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management, in a release. “We are bringing on new programming like mobile food service with our new Food Truck, and look forward to the future of the Academy and the successes of our students.”

Accredited by the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation, the Academy opened in the fall of 1981 with 44 students in two existing kitchens at the former Atlantic Community College in Mays Landing, now Atlantic Cape Community College.

Since the Academy first opened, 3,441 students have graduated with a degree in culinary arts, many of whom have gone on to successful careers locally, nationally and internationally.

Chef Joseph Sheridan, a 1996 graduate of the program, now is in his 15th year teaching at his alma mater, leading instruction at Careme’s, the Academy’s student-run restaurant.

“I love being here. I love working with the students every day,” Sheridan said. “What I really get a joy out of now is following the success of former students through social media.”

There are graduates from the Academy of Culinary Arts like Chef Douglass Williams, named Food & Wine “Best New Chefs in America” class of 2020 and a 2020 James Beard Award, or two-time “Hell’s Kitchen” contestant Amanda Palomino. There are also many who graduate and go one to successful careers as chefs, cooks or entrepreneurs in the region.

The Academy of Culinary Arts students and more than 40 area businesses will showcase their talents at the 39th Atlantic Cape Restaurant Gala set for March 31 at Harrah’s Waterfront Conference Center in Atlantic City. Since it began in 1983, the Atlantic Cape Restaurant Gala has raised over $3.5 million for scholarships for students attending the Academy of Culinary Arts.