Broadmoor Bistro is more than just a culinary education—it's a transformative experience that empowers young aspiring chefs to turn their passion for food into a fulfilling and rewarding career. This culinary program is available through the Shawnee Mission School District and offers a diverse and comprehensive hands-on learning experience to high school students. Not only does it impart invaluable skills and knowledge, but it also allows students to earn college credits toward an associate's degree in culinary arts.
Broadmoor Bistro is located at the Center for Academic Achievement in Overland Park and has been running successfully for the past 24 years. Accredited by the American Culinary Federation and recognized by the James Beard Foundation, Broadmoor Bistro has achieved numerous national accolades in competitions, showcasing its unwavering commitment to excellence.
Matt Ziegenhorn is the entrepreneurial leadership instructor.
“I work with a team that includes three certified executive chefs and huge support from our administration to run the Culinary Signature Program,” says Ziegenhorn. “Chef Justin Hoffman oversees the culinary side of the classroom with Chef Steve Venne, who also runs our catering and banquet services. Chef Bob Brassard oversees the baking program and spearheads the farm. Justin, Steve and I run the restaurant, Chef Bob and Doug Moles, Science Instructor, oversee the urban agriculture and soil science program.”
The Broadmoor Bakery is open during the school year to the public from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., offering freshly made croissants, muffins, cookies, brownies and more. In addition to the cafe, they host a lunch service with varying specials throughout the week from 11:00 a.m. to noon when available. From a loaded baked potato bar, Philly cheesesteaks, pizza and Asian chicken salad, the menu delights the taste buds and wallets of both students and visitors for just around $7 to $10.
Wednesday evening dinners are the main event. The student-run restaurant is open throughout the calendar school year. With seating from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., these three-course dinners offer a refined and intimate dining experience for $45 per person. Guests can make reservations online at broadmoorbistro.smsd.org and through OpenTable, making Broadmoor Bistro the only student-led kitchen in the country that offers this convenience. The menu can accommodate most dietary restrictions, including gluten-free options.
Beyond the restaurant, Broadmoor Bistro takes pride in its student-led Urban Farm, an impressive acre-and-a-half garden.
“The Broadmoor Urban Farm is behind our building and not only provides us with produce throughout the year, but adds agricultural science knowledge to each of our students. Our students are involved in 100% of the activities we engage in throughout the year. This is #realworldlearning at its core.”
They offer a catering program, CaterED by Broadmoor Bistro, with customized services ranging from professional buffets to plated dinners and box lunches. They can accommodate events of any size with tailored menus, available on-site in their 250 person facility or offsite at the venue of your choosing.
The program's dedication to excellence is reflected in the achievements of its students. Broadmoor Bistro boasts standout individuals like 16-year-old Finley Jewell, who participated in a national cooking competition where she was awarded the best high school student chef in the country, winning a full ride to the Culinary Institute of America. Such accomplishments are a testament to the program's commitment to nurturing talent and providing students with opportunities to thrive. The Bistro also earned the chance to compete for the first time at the National Restaurant Association ProStart competition in Washington DC, where the team of five took fifth in the country.
“Ultimately, we provide young people real world exposure to what they may expect in the future with a career in the industry. All of our students receive a Servsafe Certificate that can last three to five years—this helps them enter the workforce without additional training or education. Students that want to further their education have almost a full year of credits toward our partner schools at Johnson County Community College and across the country. Whether our students choose to go on to study or even work in the industry, they have knowledge and skills of growing their own food and cooking that they can continue to rely on for the rest of their lives."
The Broadmoor Bistro is located at 8200 West 71st Street in Overland Park. For more information, visit broadmoorbistro.smsd.org.
Article by Allison Swan
Photography by Janie Jones
Originally published in Leawood City Lifestyle