 GONNELLA Baking Company: Enriched Flour, Enriched Education | |
 Chicago, IL -- On Thursday October 29th, Gonnella welcomed 23 students and their professor from the famed Cooking and Hospitality Institute of Chicago (CHIC). The tour took place at Gonnella's production facility at 1001 W. Chicago Avenue which produces hundreds of bakery products for the restaurant and retail marketplace. The students and their professor, Anthony McPhee, who heads up a student organization called Club Expo, were exposed to the complete inner workings of a commercial bakery. From the beginning process of mixing ingredients through to the final product, packaging and logistics, students received a first hand look at what goes into a modern baking facility. During the students educational experience at CHIC they have learned to bake various breads from scratch. For example they have created Artisan breads, classic breads, laminated dough and many more on a much smaller scale. Anthony McPhee, commented that, "The students are amazed at the size and the automation of the process. In the classroom setting we have similar techniques and technology, but on a much smaller scale." Anthony himself, a 15-year veteran of the hospitality industry, was impressed with the operation and the many relationships Gonnella has formed throughout its 123-year history. Dave Gonnella, Sales Manager at Gonnella Baking who administered the tour, said that "Gonnella has always enjoyed a close relationship with culinary schools throughout the area. We believe that opening our doors and sharing our experience not only helps educate the students, but also helps the baking industry by creating more interest." This tour marked the fourth time that CHIC has had students tour the Bake Shop floor of a Gonnella Baking facility, with another slated for the very near future. If you are a culinary institute or another related organization interested in touring a Gonnella facility, please contact Dave Gonnella at dgonnella@gonnella.com. Founded in 1886, the Gonnella Baking Company produces over three million pounds of product weekly at four Chicago area facilities. As a high quality supplier for the in-store bakery, food service industries and contract baking, Gonnella offers several product lines within the fresh baked, fresh baked frozen and frozen dough categories. For more information contact Tom Marcucci, Vice President, 2006 West Erie Street, Chicago, Illinois 60612. Telephone (312) 733-2020, Fax (312) 733-7670, Web site: www.gonnella.com. |