For 15 years Brittany Nicholson has experienced a lot of different types of work environments in the baking industry. However, her current role is something she’s never done and she is excited about it.
In October, Nicholson became the operations manager in the cafeteria for Salem Community Schools. She will be overseeing the cafeterias at all three schools.
Karen Libka, who is the food services director for the corporation, said Nicholson’s role will be to go into the kitchen, guide them as they need help and fill in when the manager is out.
“She has a background that will allow her to step in and help wherever she is needed,” said Libka, adding that having someone who has experience from the restaurant side of things is exciting.
“I love having someone with a different skill set than I have,” she said. “Math and government paperwork are my things. I’m definitely a numbers person.”
She said that while Brittany can do those things as well, her expertise in restaurants and her background of working for a variety of bakeries and restaurants adds a whole other component to the cafeteria.
“Not only does she bring different strengths, she also gives a different set of eyes, different viewpoints, on what we are doing,” said Libka.
Nicholson is a graduate of SHS and attended Sullivan University where she graduated with a baking and pastry degree. She has worked in several different bakeries in Kentucky and Indiana. Most recently, she was managing Coffee Crossings when the position at Salem came open.
“Karen, along with a few other people in the school corporation, contacted me about the job,” she said. “This is different than anything I’ve ever done, but it’s a good change!”
Nicholson said she is looking forward to building relationships with staff and students.
“I want to come up with new, fun menu items and I want to do theme months to make it fun for the kids,” she said, adding that she hopes it will encourage them to try new foods. “We have lots of rules and regulations to follow while still making good food!”
She said she had not been in the high school cafeteria since she graduated and was impressed with all the changes and menu options for students.
Libka said there are some changes coming to the high school that she is excited about. One being a new, large walk-in freezer. She said when the cafeteria was built, they were only offering an option or two at lunch. Now, they offer students a minimum of four options daily. Needless to say, the freezer they have is way too small for the new menus. The new cooler/freezer combo will make the freezer more efficient and allow for more room to store food.
In the future, Libka would love to add a baking center for fresh baked goods. She said she hopes to make that a reality one day, especially with Nicholson’s experience to lead the way.
Nicholson will be working with the high school’s Disney Club at their Christmas fundraiser in December. She will be making waffles and teaching the kids how to create Santa faces with different food items.