Established in 1974 as The Restaurant School, The Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College is an accredited independent, degree-granting institution dedicated to educating those who wish to pursue careers in the hospitality industry. Founded by a restaurateur, chef, maître d, and an educational specialist, The Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College is Philadelphia’s first college focusing on hospitality education. Our first graduating class of 12 students began the college’s long tradition of launching inspired restaurateurs into the hospitality industry.

As The Restaurant School grew in size, scope, and reputation, the focal points of Culinary Arts, Pastry Arts, and Hotel Management programs were added to meet market demands. In time, the school earned national accreditation and approval to grant specialized associate and bachelor degrees. Today, The Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College educates approximately 600 students each year, meeting the needs of the growing restaurant and hospitality industries.


Our Strategic Goals
Academic: Offer a distinctive educational opportunity that prepares students for first class hospitality career opportunities.
Partner: Nurture partnerships, forge new relationships, and explore further opportunities for unique experiential learning.
Facility: Enhance and maintain facilities that exhibit our commitment to quality and customer service.
Advancement: Continue to advance the institution through effective marketing, enrollment, retention and management strategies.

Campus
The heart of The Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College's campus is a picturesque European courtyard situated in the midst of an American college environment. The college's major building, Allison Mansion, features bright restaurant kitchens, multi-media enhanced lecture halls, computer labs, a library, and four different themed open-to-the-public restaurants, which serve as part of educational life. As the college grows and new buildings are added, the Mansion continues to serve as the hub of campus life.

The beautiful Allison Mansion houses faculty and administrative offices, as well as the bustling and inviting Pastry Shop and the elegant Great Chefs of Philadelphia Restaurant. The Atrium Building is home to three additional campus restaurants. A European piazza is recreated in the atrium with beautiful storefronts, cobblestone paths, and outdoor dining terraces. Within this setting are the college's restaurants, The International Bistro, The Italian Trattoria and The American Heartland.

Resource Center
The Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College's Resource Center features computer labs and an extensive library featuring industry-related and general educational books and magazines to supplement in-class learning.

Campus Philosophy
Our campus life philosophy supports a balance of work and play. Each day, the entire campus takes a one-hour break for our Student Success Hour. Students choose from a variety of exciting activities from chocolate tasting to meeting a celebrity from the Food Network®. Students are encouraged to participate in campus associations to build leadership, social, and organizational skills.