Instructor: Samuel La Duca

Biography: Sam has worked in the restaurant industry since 1984 and in post-secondary education since 2011. He holds an Associate's Degree in Hospitality Management from Valencia College and a Bachelor's and Master's Degree in Business Management from Western Governors University. A passion for hospitality runs in the La Duca family. When his family relocated from New York to Boca Raton, Florida to pursue the restaurant business, Sam was introduced at the tender age of 11 to all facets of food service. He assisted in opening two seafood restaurants in south Florida. He obtained his Associate of Science Degree in Hospitality Management from Valencia College in Orlando, while working for the Walt Disney Company specializing in Food and Beverage.

Sam relocated to Oregon with his family in 2004, progressing with employer Red Robin from Server to General Manager. He believes successful food service depends on developing strong connections with guests and exceeding their dining expectations. Due to his background in dining room service, customer engagement, combined with his strong history in restaurant operations, Sam provides instruction at COCC Cascade Culinary Institute in the areas of dining room service, supervision and human relations, menu composition and analysis and mixology. He holds the following certifications: Hospitality Educator - FDRP, Oregon Q-Care Customer Service, Certified Trainer - Allergy Safe Certification - Spot Check, First Aid / CPR Certified - American Red Cross, Certified Alcohol Server Instructor - Oregon Liquor Control Commission and Certified ServSafe instructor and Proctor - National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation.

Classes by this instructor