Bison Kitchen is part of Chartwells Higher Ed, a national leader in college campus dining. At Bucknell University, we take pride in delivering exceptional hospitality across residential, retail, and catering services. Students who join our culinary and service teams gain hands-on experience, flexible scheduling, and the chance to grow within a company that champions learning, leadership, and innovation. With Chartwells, career paths extend regionally, divisionally, and even across our broader network of Compass Group companies.
What excites us most about the industry we serve is the opportunity to create meaningful experiences for college students who are often away from home for the first time. Food has a special way of bringing people together, and at the Bison Kitchen, we’re able to offer both comfort classics that remind students of home and new, exciting dishes that expand their horizons. It’s incredibly rewarding to see students connect, laugh, and build friendships over a shared meal. Knowing that our food can provide a sense of comfort, adventure, and community all at once is what makes this work so fulfilling.
What we appreciate most about our culture is that food truly sits at the heart of everything we do. As culinarians, we’re encouraged to be creative, embrace authenticity, and get involved with our students. We love crafting menus and out-of-the-box college dining experiences that celebrate local ingredients and global flavors. Our diverse, ever-evolving program keeps things fresh and exciting, making every day an opportunity to learn, innovate, and connect through food.
At Bucknell, we're just a short drive from Penn College, and many of our staff and faculty recognize it as a respected leader in hands-on, technical education. Several members of our Bison Kitchen leadership team are proud Penn College alumni, and we saw a natural opportunity to give back by creating pathways for current students in the culinary and hospitality programs. It’s a partnership rooted in shared values, real-world learning, and a commitment to developing the next generation of industry leaders.
Penn College is a sound investment because its programs are built on real-world application, technical excellence, and professionalism. The return we’ve seen is not just in the quality of talent we’ve hired, but in the leadership and innovation those individuals bring to our team. Alumni from Penn College have become integral to Bison Kitchen’s success, and we continue to see long-term value in investing in students who are committed to their craft.
When searching for the next integral member of the Bison Kitchen team, we value a strong work ethic, a team-first mindset, and a genuine passion for the culinary and hospitality industry. We're looking for individuals who are not only technically skilled, but also adaptable, eager to learn, and ready to embrace the fast-paced, ever-evolving nature of the food service world.
If you're a high school student considering Penn College, our best advice is to fully embrace the hands-on learning and take advantage of every resource the college offers. The real-world experience you gain here will set you apart in the job market. Stay curious, ask questions, and connect with your instructors—they're industry professionals who are invested in your success. For those pursuing culinary or baking programs, know that your skills are in high demand. Chartwells offers a wide range of career opportunities across the country, providing a strong and stable path forward after graduation.
“My time at Penn College was an incredibly valuable and rewarding experience. The knowledge and skills I gained there have been instrumental in helping me navigate and overcome the various challenges I’ve encountered in my role as the pastry chef at Bucknell University.”
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