Colton, CA–Before the new cafeteria/MPR (soon to be named the Dr. Tom Rivera Multi-Purpose Room) opened, the old cafeteria facing Valley Boulevard was Colton High’s food destination.

With the old cafeteria collecting dust, demolition will soon begin to make way for a brand new Culinary Arts Building.

Funded with a $2.87 million grant, the Culinary Arts Building will begin construction in the first quarter of the 2023 school year. The construction should take approximately 14 months to complete.

“Students will finally be able to learn from real life events and get experience with restaurant type duties that they can take out to the industry and help them get jobs during and after high school,” said Brandon Buckles, Hospitality Pathway Adviser at Colton High.

This old cafeteria building will be partially demolished, then remodeled with a brand new industry-standard kitchen for teaching, demonstrating tables, and lecture rooms. It will also feature an outdoor barbecue section.

The building will not demolish the dining area, but reinstate it to be more modern and better than ever. It will also include a cafe for CHS staff and will be used to cater district events. 

“The goal is to provide a state-of-the-art culinary facility so our students can learn, acquire, and develop the skills necessary to succeed in the hospitality industry,” said Owen Chang, Director of CJUSD Facilities.

The new Culinary Arts Center will increase the number of professional opportunities for CHS students. It also provides a brilliant use for the old cafeteria—instead of students eating its food, they will be preparing it.