Check It Out: Hospitality
The hospitality industry is huge. It encompasses catering and event-planning, tourism, hotels and resorts, theme parks, and more. These industries are promising places for people to make a living. Engage your love of baking, traveling, or whatever brings you joy with these six great resources.
Books:
The Front Desk series, by Kelly Yang. Follow Mia as she navigates the ins and outs of running a motel with her parents, from helping difficult customers to dealing with investors. Everyone can find something to relate to in Mia's aspirations and struggles. Recommended for ages 8 to 12.
The Wedding Planner’s Daughter series, by Coleen Murtagh Paratore. In this series, Willa works as an assistant to her mother, who’s a wedding planner. Open a window into the whole process, from catering decisions to last-minute fixes. This coming-of-age series covers first love, fighting for what you believe in, and the power of a well-planned event. Recommended for ages 8 to 12.
The Doughnut Fix books, by Jessie Janowitz. When Tristan finds out that his family is moving, he can’t believe he has to live without all the restaurants and bakeries he loves in New York City. His new town doesn’t even have a bagel place. But there are rumors about a legendary local doughnut. Tristan sets out to find that recipe and start his own business. Enjoy, future culinary entrepreneurs! Recommended for ages 8 to 12.
TV Shows:
Good Eats (1999–2012; 2018–Present). There are so many great shows about cooking that young people would enjoy, from The Great British Baking Show to Chopped. But if you’re a serious foodie who really wants to understand how food works, you can’t beat the classic Good Eats, from food-science expert Alton Brown. He covers all the basics, such as how to perfectly cook a steak, prepare a salad, and bake bread. He also makes sure you understand the reasons behind the techniques. A must-watch for anyone who wants to work in the food-service industry.
Restaurant: Impossible (2011–). For years, host and professional chef Robert Irvine has been coming to the rescue of failing restaurants. He has two days to advise owners about everything from their menu to their decor, and he gets $10,000 to put his suggestions into practice. He also gives financial advice that will help viewers familiarize themselves with the economics of running a restaurant.
Podcast:
The Season Pass (2008–present). This is an industry-standard podcast about all things theme park! Learn how theme-park rides and attractions are designed. You can also listen to interviews with the pro storytellers, graphic designers, and engineers who create your favorite rides and experiences. The podcast offers a global perspective, discussing theme parks in the United States and around the world.
