“Make it a Grand Week”- Olivia Lobertini, The Grand on Central

Jellico High Culinary Arts students visit Connor’s Steak and Seafood Restaurant for a day of learning

A NOTE FROM THE GRAND ON CENTRAL: “There is so much good going on in our community, and I want to share all this good with you every Monday here on WLAF in hopes that you will start your week in a grand way making each week a Grand Week,” said Olivia Lobertini, owner of The Grand on Central.

By Charlotte Underwood

KNOXVILLE, TN (WLAF)- Jellico High School Culinary Arts students visited Connor’s Steak and Seafood Restaurant at Knoxville on March 3. The class was there for an industry tour and job shadowing opportunity.

Students were greeted by Brian Keyes, Senior Vice-President of Education and Risk Management, who has been with Connor’s since it began. Students attending were Micah Shelby, Kassidy Bell, Bryson Stahr and Madison Metcalf along with instructor Lindsey Carroll.

A lot of preparation went into this experience. Students had to have black dress pants, black dress shirt, and black non-skid shoes, and hair had to be pulled back. Students have also been studying how a restaurants day-to-day operations work in class.

The students began by observing preparation, moving to observe a different chef every 15 minutes. They then moved to the cook line to watch the set up and participate in the line check for the 11am opening. As the restaurant opened, students rotated to different stations for 20 minutes. The stations the students shadowed were servers, greeters, bartender, and front of house manager. The last job shadowing experience was on the cook line and on the server side to observe the food exposition.

Students went to lunch at the restaurant with Keyes who conducted a question and answer review session as students ordered and enjoyed their food. Several others with Campbell County Schools joined their lunch to support them in their unique opportunity. among them were Traci Chambers, Career Technical Education Director, Shannon Marsee , CTE Administrative Assistant, Joey St. John, JHS Principal, and Lisa Bolton JHS CTE Career Coach. The adults were extremely impressed with the opportunity for the students and learned a lot as well.

“I learned working in a restaurant is not all about cooking. My favorite part was seeing how nice everyone was, and, in the back, it was like a big family working together. I ordered the prime rib sandwich, which was amazing especially the au jus sauce,” said Micah Shelby.

“I was impressed by the communication that goes on between the parts of the kitchen and servers, and how effective it was. It was very interesting to be a part of that. My lunch was great. I had a bacon cheeseburger with Applewood bacon and fries, and it was so good,” said Madison Metcalf (above right).

“I learned that it’s hard being in culinary work, and it can be stressful. I had a good time and at lunch, I had the prime rib sandwich which was great,” said Bryson Stahr (above).

“My favorite part was getting to see behind the scenes of how a restaurant runs, and what everyone does so the restaurant runs smoothly. I really enjoyed learning what all servers do and how they do it so efficiently. I really appreciate getting the opportunity to experience the life in a restaurant. I had fish and chips, and it was delicious,” said Kassidy Bell (below right).

“I am so proud of my students and their participation in the restaurant setting. Their energy, participation, and professionalism they carried throughout the day did not go unnoticed. I hope this is an experience they always remember. We thank Connor’s Steak and Seafood and Brian Keyes for the opportunity. If you do plan a visit to Connor’s one day, do not pass up the opportunity to try their fried green tomatoes with cheese grits and andouille sauce. They are delicious,” said Lindsey Carroll, Instructor.

“Thank you to Campbell County CTE for supporting our students and giving them experiences like this,” said Carroll.

A NOTE FROM THE GRAND ON CENTRAL: “There is so much good going on in our community, and I want to share all this good with you every Monday here on WLAF in hopes that you will start your week in a grand way making each week a Grand Week,” said Olivia Lobertini, owner of The Grand on Central.

For bookings, email Olivia Lobertini at ohlobertini03@gmail.com. Check on avails HERE. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-03/16/2026-6AM-PHOTOS SUBMITTED)