Back in April we were thrilled to announce that two emerging F&B leaders, Sofia Mendoza and Robert Guarneri, were selected as the recipients of the first-ever Avero Externship. The Avero Externship is a two-day intensive workshop at Avero headquarters in New York City during which two high school graduates learn about the latest trends in culinary concepts, ways to use restaurant software and technology to manage revenues and reduce costs, and gain invaluable career counseling, created in partnership with Careers Through Culinary Arts Program (C-CAP).
Sofia Mendoza won the America’s Best High School Chef competition, which afforded her a full-tuition scholarship to Monroe College where she will be studying Hospitality Management, and she aspires to become CEO of an international hotel chain. Robert Guarneri participated in C-CAP’s job training program and interned at Nobu 57, where he worked with Chef Matt Hoyle and earned glowing reviews, before moving to the kitchen at renowned New York restaurant Betony under Executive Chef Bryce Shuman.
Over the course of the two-day externship, Sofia and Robert participated in various sessions with Avero team members. The goal was to teach them about the latest trends in technology and the future of the restaurant industry and create a dialogue for the two students to ask questions and learn about the business behind the business. They learned about Avero’s restaurant software and also about the various other ways that the most progressive chefs and restaurateurs use technology to be successful influencers in this competitive landscape. And, in true Avero style, the students had the opportunity to network with the Avero staff, discuss their careers in F&B, and dine at some of the city’s finest establishments including Gramercy Tavern, Tertulia and Gotham West Market.
“Sofia and Robert are still reeling from their Avero experience!” said Meghan Seradsky, C-CAP’s National College Advisor and Alumni Coordinator. “They both had an incredible time getting to know Avero’s services; without a doubt these two days will resonate for Sofia and Robert as they learn more about the industry in college.”
Avero is thrilled to have given Sofia and Robert a valuable, once-in-a-lifetime experience before they embark upon their college careers, and we look forward to following their bright futures and continuing to support C-CAP’s important mission.
