Oregon Culinary Institute Launches Management Degree Programs

PORTLAND, Ore., Nov. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Responding to strong demand from both
students and the restaurant industry, Oregon Culinary Institute announced
today that it is approved to offer three new management degree programs.
Effective with the next term, which begins December 9, 2009, the newly
available credentials are an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Culinary
Management, an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Baking and Pastry
Management and an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Restaurant
Management. The school launched its new management curriculum with a
Restaurant Management Diploma in July.

"Since our opening nearly four years ago, culinary and baking and pastry
students have been very clear about their desire to learn the business side of
restaurants," said Eric Stromquist, Oregon Culinary Institute campus
president. "We have always stressed management skills in our programs, so this
is a natural evolution for us and makes Oregon Culinary Institute not just a
cooking school but a truly complete and comprehensive restaurant school."

Oregon Culinary Institute is the only culinary school in Portland to offer
this unique blend of restaurant education.

"Thousands of new restaurants open every year, and of those roughly 70 percent
fail within five years. To be successful, you have to understand the entire
operation from front to back of the house, and from the top to bottom line,"
said Stromquist. "Our management degree programs are designed to help students
master kitchen techniques while providing them with the management tools they
will need to become successful entrepreneurs."

Costs of the new management programs vary depending upon the credential
earned. The total program cost, including books, uniforms, knife kits and
supplies, for the Associate of Applied Science Degree in Restaurant Management
is $26,110 (64 academic weeks), the Associate of Applied Science Degree in
Culinary Management is $29,505 (60 academic weeks), the Associate of Applied
Science Degree in Baking and Pastry Management is $29,505 (56 academic weeks),
and the Restaurant Management Diploma is $18,690 (34 academic weeks). All
programs include an off-campus externship at an approved industry property.

The restaurant management programs were designed and will be overseen by Ray
Colvin, Oregon Culinary Institute location director, who joined the school in
January after having served eight years at Western Culinary Institute. Colvin
previously worked in senior restaurant management, including as a regional
vice president and owner for three nationally recognized hospitality
organizations including Piatti Restaurant Group, McCormick & Schmick's
Management Group, and The Holland Corporation.

About Oregon Culinary Institute
Established in 2006 as a division of Pioneer Pacific College, Oregon Culinary
Institute offers a complete, practical and affordable culinary arts education
where students can earn Associate of Applied Science degrees in Culinary
Management, Baking and Pastry Management, and Restaurant Management. The
school also offers diplomas in Culinary Arts, Baking and Pastry Arts, and
Restaurant Management, as well as a certificate in Baking and Pastry. Students
may also earn a Sommelier Diploma at Oregon Culinary Institute in cooperation
with the International Sommelier Guild. Weekend cooking classes are open to
the general public, and a fine dining restaurant is available that serves
lunch and dinner, most Mondays through Fridays. For more information go to
www.oregonculinaryinstitute.com, or call 888-OCI-CHEF.

SOURCE Oregon Culinary Institute

Kelliann Amico of Amico Public Relations, +1-503-224-5486,
kelliann@amicopr.com, for Oregon Culinary Institute