The beginning of the school year at Tualatin High School brings excitement and tradition. One of the most cherished among these staples is our very own Wolf Cafe, a student-run business that has become a campus favorite since its start in 2014. Staffed by Culinary Three and Baking & Pastry students, these aspiring chefs work hard to keep our student body fed with delicious and fresh food every day.

Its opening on Sept. 30 this year was only attainable due to a lot of behind-the-scenes work. In his third year in the culinary program and second year working in the cafe, senior Durham Hudspeth took us through the ins and outs of the cafe’s process.

As the day gets started, Hudspeth said, “Four people who are assigned to work the lunch check in with their teacher and then go straight to the
cafe. You take orders as they come and try to keep everything running quickly so people can get to class on time. It’s a lot of communication that’s required and also a fair amount of practice that goes into the drinks.”

In the cafe, there are different types of jobs that each advanced culinary student can choose to keep things moving smoothly, according to senior Emalee Andrade. Students have responsibilities both around the cafe and in the classroom, Andrade said. Some of the different roles are accountants, marketers, food and barista specialists, and interior designers. Andrade is on the interior design team and told us a little about the job.

“Every month we plan seasonal decor for the cafe,” Andrade said. “I think it makes the space feel more inviting and cozy and encourages students to come visit us.”

You didn’t think a ghost decorated the tech wing, did you? Whether because of the hot grilled cheese, a sweet mango smoothie, or to hang out with friends in the festive space, the cafe continues to be a student favorite.