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Welcome to Magnolia University

Turn Your Passion for Food and Hospitality into a Profitable Business

Magnolia University teaches food industry professionals the ins and outs of starting and scaling a business. This includes guiding you through marketing and branding, opening a brick and mortar location, e-commerce and more.
Our programs are serving food and beverage brands, restaurateurs, farmers,corporations and government agencies.

Checkout Our Latest Programs

Welcome to Magnolia University

Enrolling for Cohortll

Classisin Session April 22,2024 through June 19,2024 |
Cohort ll Theme: Personal Excellence, Timeless Impact |
Limited Seats Available |

Checkout Our Latest Programs

Welcome to Magnolia University

Turn Your Passion for Food and Hospitality into a Profitable Business

Magnolia University teaches food industry professionals the ins and outs of starting and scaling a business. This includes guiding you through marketing and branding, opening a brick and mortar location, e-commerce and more.
Our programs are serving food and beverage brands, restaurateurs, farmers,corporations and government agencies.

Checkout Our Latest Programs

Magnolia University:
Where Food and Business Meet

From operational management techniques to networking and marketing strategies, our educational programs and trainings give restaurateurs, food and beverage brands, farmers, corporations, and government agencies a competitive edge in the world of food business management.

Who Are We

Magnolia University is an educational hub devoted to the growth of culinary artisans and entrepreneurs. We’re located in Prince George’s County, Maryland and serve restaurateurs, food and beverage brands, farmers, corporations, and government agencies.

Our Mission

At Magnolia University, our mission is simple: give those in the food and hospitality industry the necessary tools they need to create thriving, prosperous businesses and master the business beyond the food.

How We’re Different

While there are thousands of business incubators and culinary schools out there teaching a variety of topics, Magnolia University is where food and business meet.

Serving More Than Just Food and Beverage Entrepreneurs

Let us be Clear

At Magnolia University, we’re here to serve all in the food and hospitality industry. That’s from food and beverage brands and restaurateurs to government agencies and corporations.

Explore Our Programs Tailored for your Sector

Government Agencies

Government agencies and public sector professionals must know what’s what for food and hospitality. Especially with so many rules, regulations, and red tape. Our Culinary Bootcamp and In-Flight Culinary Bootcamp programs give them the skills and knowledge they need to flawlessly navigate complex regulatory environments and deliver an unforgettable experience.

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Restaurateurs

Committed to shaping the future of the culinary and hospitality industry, Magnolia University gives seasoned or aspiring restaurateurs enhanced training on restaurant management, culinary excellence and the latest trends in marketing, branding, and e-commerce.

Read More

Food & Beverage Brands

With mere seconds to capture a potential customer’s attention, what you say and what you do matters. Understanding how to market and create lasting impressions is key, and it’s part of what we teach at Magnolia University. From marketing trends and strategies to creating sustainable practices, our programs give brands what they need to stand out.

Find Out More

Restaurateurs

Committed to shaping the future of the culinary and hospitality industry, Magnolia University gives seasoned or aspiring restaurateurs enhanced training on restaurant management, culinary excellence and the latest trends in marketing, branding, and e-commerce.

Read More

Restaurateurs

Committed to shaping the future of the culinary and hospitality industry, Magnolia University gives seasoned or aspiring restaurateurs enhanced training on restaurant management, culinary excellence and the latest trends in marketing, branding, and e-commerce.

Read More

Government Agencies

Government agencies and public sector professionals must know what’s what for food and hospitality. Especially with so many rules, regulations, and red tape. Our Culinary Bootcamp and In-Flight Culinary Bootcamp programs give them the skills and knowledge they need to flawlessly navigate complex regulatory environments and deliver an unforgettable experience.

Discover More

Restaurateurs

Committed to shaping the future of the culinary and hospitality industry, Magnolia University gives seasoned or aspiring restaurateurs enhanced training on restaurant management, culinary excellence and the latest trends in marketing, branding, and e-commerce.

Read More

Food & Beverage Brands

With mere seconds to capture a potential customer’s attention, what you say and what you do matters. Understanding how to market and create lasting impressions is key, and it’s part of what we teach at Magnolia University. From marketing trends and strategies to creating sustainable practices, our programs give brands what they need to stand out.

Find Out More

Explore Magnolia University’s Current Programs and Offerings

From programs that will teach brands, restaurants, and farms how to build profitable businesses to a program designed to give government employees expertise in in-flight culinary service, Magnolia University has the food and hospitality education space covered.

Browse through our current programs

Business Beyond the Food

Gain the guidance, support and insight necessary to foster the growth and expansion of your food and beverage brand. We’ll cover topics such as employee recruitment, operational management, event organization, full-service catering, accounting, contracts and collaborations, and more.

The Virtual Kitchen

Launching a food and beverage brand? Thinking about getting into the consumer packaged goods sector? Get the support you need to begin. Our community and digital platform are perfect for entrepreneurs to learn, network and grow their businesses.

Business Beyond the Farm

Learn how to develop value-added products and services from the harvests you grow on your farm. We’ll help you identify your target customers, set prices, select distribution methods, implement promotional campaigns, and more.

The Virtual Kitchen

Launching a food and beverage brand? Thinking about getting into the consumer packaged goods sector? Get the support you need to begin. Our community and digital platform are perfect for entrepreneurs to learn, network and grow their businesses.

Not Ready to Commit to a Full 9-Week Program?

Investing in a full program takes time and money, and it’s not for everyone. That’s why at Magnolia University you can opt to take one class at a time. Whether you want to simply brush up on your skills or want to learn a new area of the food and beverage industry, we’ve got a class for you. Pick from our classes below to get started.

Culinary Arts

Explore the art of culinary excellence in our Culinary Arts course, honing skills for a flavorful career.

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Business Management

Master essential business skills with our Business Management course for strategic leadership and organizational success.

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Agricultural Technology

Revolutionize farming with cutting-edge agricultural technology for increased efficiency and sustainable practices

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Meet the People Who Power Magnolia University

Our instructors provide an unmatched level of mentorship and expertise. From award winning chefs and seasoned entrepreneurs and business owners, our teachers cover everything from operations and staffing to marketing, branding plus food cost and control.

Scroll down to meet each of our current educators.

Joi Alexander

The Game Consulting Agency

Joi is a seasoned on-premise and off-premise catering sales professional with over 20 years of experience in account management, business consulting, client relations, business development, strategic planning and CPG management. In 2017, Alexander was named Director of Catering Sales at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Home of the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United. Alexander received the Top Sales Performer Award for 2019 exceeding group sales revenue by $7M. During her time at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Joi played a major role in spearheading the catering and private event business which generated over $5M in revenue year over year.

Chef Jacoby Ponder

Chefpreneur Academy

A native of Monroe, Georgia, Celebrity Chef Ponder gained his cooking abilities from a laid back food loving city life in the South, but the bulk of his culinary skills and aspiration came during his 10 year tenure as a CS (Culinary Specialist) serving proudly in the United States Navy out of Norfolk, Virginia. Being hand selected on a regular basis to prepare meals for high profile military officer, prestigious military command, and political official functions was enough to confirm the pursuit of a career as a professional chef once his naval commitment came to an end.

Joy Pittman

HR For The Culture

Joy Pittman is a true “people” person, and she embodies that title, naturally! As a certified Senior HR Professional, holding a Master’s in Human Resources Management, a Bachelor’s in Economics, Joy is known in many capacities as a go-to human resources expert, a genius people strategist, a dynamic public speaker and a respected educator, but it’s the title “Sprinkler of Black Girl Magic” that surrounds people in her fairy dust of success and leaves them both inspired and ready to win!

Kelly Criswell

Mudge

Kelly Criswell is the founder of Mudge, a Branding Agency specializing in innovative food & beverage brands. With a fierce love of food & bev and a 20+ year career in CPG brand development & packaging design, Kelly helps brands break new ground by intuitively and strategically connecting the brand with their perfect customer.

Sandy Patterson

Mixt Food Hall

Chef Sandy Patterson has worked in the food service industry for over 25 years. She is currently the Director of Operations for miXt Food Hall in Brentwood, MD overseeing the operations for five independent food concepts and managing the bar and staff of the hall.

Fox Wade

GovCon Blueprint

Fox Wade is the Founder and CEO of Black Fox LLC, a professional services firm that provides Healthcare Management, Healthcare Staffing, Healthcare Information Technology, Public Health, and Emergency Management Support to government agencies and private corporations across the globe. Black Fox is a certified SBA 8a, SDVOSB, MBE, ISO 9001, and ISO 22301 company that is based in Baltimore, MD with a secondary office in Atlanta, GA. Fox has led the charge of procuring more than $75M in contracts for public and private organizations since 2018.

Candi Daley

Potomac Hospitality Group

Candi Dailey is the CEO and Co – Founder of Potomac Hospitality Group. A DMV based hospitality management company creating niche food & beverage solutions through events, catering, and restaurant operations. With an extensive background in culinary arts, and a secondary focus in hospitality management, Candi is responsible for the development of Hospitality Solutions and Concept Brands at PHG. Through strategic partnerships she ensures that services provided through our unique foodservice programs are tailored to corporate, commercial and government requirements.

From dining services to hospitality administration, the Pennsylvania Culinary alumna is well-versed in FOH and BOH operations. As CEO Candi also oversees the development of the PHG restaurant portfolio which includes, Brown Butler Cafe (fall 23), Caribana (Summer 24), and the well-known concept Ruby’s Southern Comfort Kitchen (Ruby’s So.Co. Kitchen), a family-owned and operated fast-casual restaurant specializing in comfort food. At the heart of Candi’ s work is a deeper mission to support the advancement and success of aspiring Black restaurateurs — mitigating the barriers to access, resources, and opportunities needed to thrive within the space. With a deep knowledge of restaurant management, business operations and customer success Candi is a trusted industry resource. Candi is a member of The City of Bowie’s Economic Development Committee, a member of The Restaurant Advisory Committee for Doordash, and an advisory board member for the PGCC Hospitality & Culinary Arts program. She is also a founding member of The Bow Collective. When she’s not spearheading operations, Candi can be found in her sanctuary cooking, traveling, or spending time with her husband Jason, and their daughters.

Marcus Daniels

NAI Michael

Marcus N. Daniels is the Founder, President and Chief Executive Officer of Daniels Development Group LLC. Mr. Daniels brings over 15 years of experience in business, real estate, finance, public policy and consulting assisting clients with their strategic goals and objectives. Mr. Daniels is Vice President at NAI Michael, a commercial real estate brokerage and development firm where he has represented clients in the acquisition, development and disposition of commercial real estate including retail, office, industrial, multifamily and mixed use developers, institutional investors, publicly traded companies, privately held businesses, professional service firms, federal contractors, nonprofit and healthcare clients for their requirements in the United States. Mr. Daniels is the Chair of NAI Global Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Council for NAI

Jese Gary

Green Eyed Ambition

Jese Gary is not just an educator; she is the guiding force behind a transformative journey into the intricate realm of systems, operations, and insightful analysis. As a dedicated instructor at Magnolia University, she has relentlessly championed the cause of mastering your operating system, revolutionizing supply chains, and harnessing the power of insightful analysis. With a passion that ignites minds and a vision that transcends boundaries, Jese Gary has become a beacon of knowledge in the academic world. Her career is a testament to her commitment to excellence, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of mastery in her field.

Jese brings to the classroom a wealth of real-world experience, having worked with industry giants and emerging innovators alike. Her unique ability to bridge the gap between theory and practice has made her a sought-after mentor, inspiring students to not only understand complex systems but to excel in optimizing them.

Jese Gary’s influence extends beyond the classroom, as she collaborates with industry experts and academic institutions to shape the future of systems and operations. Her dedication to driving positive change has earned her recognition and respect from colleagues and peers around the world.

In a world where the mastery of systems, supply chains, and insightful analysis is paramount, Jese Gary stands as a beacon of knowledge, a mentor, and a catalyst for transformation. Her impact on education and industry is immeasurable, and her legacy as a Systems & Operations Instructor at Magnolia University is one that continues to inspire generations of students to shape a brighter future

Sid Tanu

Sid Knows Finance

Sid Tanu has an extensive background in loan origination and underwriting as the Chief Risk Officer at EnrichHER, and has held senior executive positions with Capital One, IRi Worldwide Consulting, and MinTech. Sid leads the financial services strategy for Capital Access at Open Trellis. His efforts are focused on product development, risk modeling, and the optimization of small business loan portfolios. He specializes in unsecured debt for new and small business owners, and is himself an entrepreneur and graduate of Techstars, an international startup accelerator.

Sid’s financial services career has included retail and commercial banking, payments, asset management, analytics and risk management. As a community development advocate, he has led numerous initiatives in financial literacy and startup ecosystem inclusion. He has served as a mentor and organizer with Junior Achievement, Techstars, Startup VA, Lighthouse Labs, and 1 Million Cups.

Sid holds a bachelor’s degree in Real Estate, Finance and Information Systems from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and he enjoys playing tennis and discovering new music and great food.

Why Choose

Magnolia University

Expert Faculty

At Magnolia University, we pride ourselves in having some of the best instructors around from world-class chefs to first-rate entrepreneurs, marketers and other food industry CEOs. Our faculty members are experienced, distinguished and ready to teach our students all that they know period

State-of-the-Art Facilities

With our modern classrooms, kitchen and laboratory access and specialized spaces for hands-on training, our facilities are equipped with everything our students need to be successful.

Industry connections

Who you know matters. And here at Magnolia University, we ensure our students have access to unique networking opportunities, internships and industry-specific field trips that provide a bridge between academia and the professional world.

Holistic Education Approach

From direct learning opportunities to specialized curriculum tailored to the unique challenges faced by restaurateurs, food and beverage brands, farmers, corporations, and government agencies, Magnolia University gives our students an education that prepares them for all the things they might face in the food industry.

State-of-the-Art Facilities

With our modern classrooms, kitchen and laboratory access and specialized spaces for hands-on training, our facilities are equipped with everything our students need to be successful.

Holistic Education Approach

From direct learning opportunities to specialized curriculum tailored to the unique challenges faced by restaurateurs, food and beverage brands, farmers, corporations, and government agencies, Magnolia University gives our students an education that prepares them for all the things they might face in the food industry.

Clients & Collaborations

Events & University Happenings

Join Magnolia University as we celebrate our future students with open houses, field trips and culinary experiences that will leave taste buds craving more AND as we celebrate the successes of our alumni with special get-togethers and meet-ups.

Enrollment & Admissions

At Magnolia University, enrollment is highly selective. We keep our program and class sizes small to encourage student participation, create stronger instructor-student relationships, and allow for a more active learning environment. 
As a result, we prioritize individuals with a solid commitment to success and a passion for the food and hospitality industry. Also, we serve all in the industry from food and beverage brands and restaurateurs to government agencies and corporations.

Government Agencies

Choose from our culinary-specific program that teaches government employees the how-tos of menu planning, food prep, and cooking and storage techniques OR our program available to government

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Restaurateurs

Receive intensive training on restaurant management, culinary excellence and the latest trends in marketing, branding, and e-commerce – programs and classes available for seasoned and aspiring restaurateurs.

Apply Now

Food & Beverage Brands

Learn how to market and how to engage with your audience in a way that sets your brand up for success. From marketing trends and strategies to creating sustainable practices, our programs give food and beverage brands what they
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Farmers

Revolutionize the way you run your farm. Plus, learn how to operate, sell, and grow with harvest innovation, value-added products and services,

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Corporations

For corporations who have already made their mark in the food and hospitality industry and are looking for that next step.

Apply Now

Admission Process

Learn everything you need to know from program dates and deadlines to apply to enrollment guidelines and when you can expect to hear from us.

Apply Now

MagU Blog

Read our latest news and student success stories

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Get all things admissions related sent straight to your inbox from upcoming programs and events to deadlines to apply.

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MagU Newsroom

Get the latest news from special announcements to alumni success stories, and everything in between. Choose from some of our most-loved resources and information. Plus, discover the ins and outs to operating a successful food and beverage service.

MagU Leadership

Our leadership team doesn’t just have an exceptional record, it also knows how to scale businesses like no other. With expertise in marketing, hospitality, operations, management, government and corporate contracting, commercial real estate and banking and finance, our leadership team has all parts of building a business covered.

Samia Bingham

Samia, the Founder & CEO of Flavors, is an award-winning serial entrepreneur.

Chris Bingham

Christopher is the Chief Operations Officer of Flavors and manages all Human Resources operations for the Flavors organization.

Tristan

Tristan is Culinary Incubator Operations Manager at FLAVORS Culinary Hub

Evelyn Batista

Evelyn Batista is Program Specialist at FLAVORS Culinary Hub

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MagU Advisors

With a combined 50+ years of experience in everything from corporate accounting and finance to architecture, engineering and technology, our advisors know the technical side of business extremely well and are an integral part of our team and organization.

 

Get to know them

Shavon Dotson-King

Samia, the Founder & CEO of Flavors, is an award-winning serial entrepreneur.

Sydney Davis

Sydney is the Founder & CEO of Tequity, a SaaS company that provides app..

Sid Tanu

Sid Tanu is the Chief Risk Officer of EnrichHER, a lending platform for women-led businesses.

Kate Shamis

Kate is an experienced accountant who earned her bachelor’s degree in accounting from Villa Julie College

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