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Keystone College Program Cut, Popular Restaurant Closed

LA PLUME —The Chef’s Table is a popular restaurant on the campus of Keystone College. Since 1994, it has been a place for people to enjoy fine dinin...

LA PLUME ---The Chef's Table is a popular restaurant on the campus of Keystone College.

Since 1994, it has been a place for people to enjoy fine dining and a training ground for Keystone College culinary arts students.

"The community has just been incredible and my students want to thank everybody and I want to thank each and every member who's ever walked in these doors because it's been so important for them and their education and their career," said Chef Mark Seibert of Keystone College.

Keystone College officials announced this week they are getting rid of the culinary arts program, in part because of dwindling enrollment.

There are currently 31 students in the two-year associates program, with 16 graduating this academic year.

Getting rid of the program also means getting rid of The Chef's Table.

Dinner Friday night was the last at the restaurant, and it featured a five-course meal designed and executed by the students.

The place was sold out, with 85 diners.

"It was a gathering place, plus it brought, let's face it, if you saw the campus of the college, wouldn't you think, 'Maybe I could go here or maybe my child could go here?' It's sad," said diner Mary Lou Franko of Mill City.

"I think it's a really sad thing, it really is," agreed Rick Franko.

Newswatch 16 was not able to speak with any of the culinary arts students.
College officials said they were too emotional to speak or be shown on camera.

"I think it is bittersweet. It being the last night, they're disappointed," said Keystone College spokesman Fran Calpin.

Keystone College officials said any students who want to can transfer to the Lackawanna College culinary arts program.

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