CPCC boasts one of the top culinary schools in the country and is home to one of only two Culinary and Baking & Pastry Arts programs in Charlotte that are accredited by the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation Accrediting Commission (ACFEFAC). Both programs have achieved "Exemplary Status" by the ACF. Plus, Best Choice Schools (BCS) has ranked Central Piedmont Community College as #14 on its list of "Top 20 Best Culinary Schools on the East Coast." CPCC's program was the only culinary program in North Carolina to be named to the list. The North Carolina hospitality industry is composed of 17,500 restaurants and 1,700 lodging establishments across the state. Combined, these businesses generate $20.2 billion in sales annually. The North Carolina hospitality industry employs 475,000 North Carolinians and accounts for 11 percent of the state's workforce. Established, full-service restaurants, hotels, resorts, clubs, catering operations, contract food services, and health care facilities are all looking for educated, qualified chefs. The population is growing and so is their appetite for good food! CPCC will train you to have the right skills for the right career at the right price.
