Elevation is Cascade Culinary Institute’s fine-dining, student-operated restaurant, serving as both a hands-on classroom and a bridge between students and the Central Oregon community. Located within the Jungers Culinary Center at Central Oregon Community College (COCC), Elevation offers guests the opportunity to experience sustainable, locally sourced cuisine while supporting the development of future hospitality professionals.

 

A Living Classroom

Preparing the next generation of industry leaders is a community endeavor. Elevation is deeply integrated into the CCI curriculum, providing students with real-world experience in kitchen operations, service, and hospitality management. It serves as the capstone course for second-year culinary students and is closely tied to several core classes, including:

  • CUL 270 Culinary Capstone – Spring term dinner service
  • HM 190 Dining Room Operations and CUL 200 Kitchen Operations – Fall, Winter, and Spring lunch service
  • CUL 203 Food Truck Operations – Spring term weekly patio lunches (no reservation required)
  • BAK 265 Retail Baking Operations – Bakery Kiosk in Fall and Winter; Spring term varies

At the conclusion of each meal, patrons are invited to complete a feedback survey. This input directly informs the instructional process, helping students grow both individually and as a team in areas such as culinary technique, communication, and professional confidence.

Reservations & Public Service

Elevation’s service schedule varies by academic term and the restaurant is closed during the summer. Lunch and dinner services are available by reservation and announced in advance via the CCI email list. Special events and pop-up meals may be hosted throughout the Fall, Winter, and Spring terms by both classes and the student-run Culinary Club.

Visit cocc.edu/elevation for current offerings and to make a reservation.

Sustainability in Practice

Sustainability is a core principle at Elevation. The restaurant emphasizes farm-to-table practices and sources local produce, proteins, grains, dairy, and beverages from within Oregon whenever possible.

Operational sustainability includes:

  • Waste reduction through composting and recycling programs
  • Use of eco-friendly warewashing chemicals
  • Facility design certified to Earth Advantage Commercial Gold standards
  • Energy-saving systems, including radiant floor heating, tankless water heaters, and high-efficiency exhaust hoods

In support of broader campus sustainability efforts, COCC students have voted to fund renewable energy through a per-credit student fee, helping power the campus with wind energy and contributing to a flexible fund for future green projects.