The Mules Café is set to return next week with carryout service only, in an effort to increase safety for customers during the pandemic.

Instead of Tuesdays and Fridays, the Poplar Bluff Technical Career Center's student-run restaurant will be opened to the public from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays so classroom time can be maximized between learning cooking techniques.

The October menu, to be posted on the PBTCC Mules Café Facebook page, will feature a choice of entrées made to order each day.

“We had to redesign the restaurant completely,” stated chef Brandon Moon, culinary arts instructor. “We thank our loyal customers for their support and patience as we transition during this crazy time.”

In addition to going over food and kitchen safety, students have been learning the do’s and don’ts issued by the National Restaurant Association in response to the public health emergency. “Our students have always practiced cleanliness and hygiene, but this year we are hitting those topics more in-depth,” Moon continued.

The menu will include some lighter lunch items as well as what Moon describes as Southeast Missouri, country-style cooking such as fried fish, chicken and meatloaf. Included with the entrée will be a choice of sides, salad, dessert and a soft drink for only $7.

Reservations may be made between 8 a.m.-2 p.m. during the school week by calling the Mules Café, located at 1110 N. Westwood Blvd., at 573-785-5768. Moon explained that students would also be working on mastering front of the house basics, like taking orders accurately over the phone.

“We would like customers to know we are here for them, but also we have students in training and we want them to be successful too,” said Moon as a gentle reminder of his program’s mission.

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Cutline: Students Makhala Overton (left) and Wysteria Oetjen of the TCC culinary arts program welcome the public to the Mule Café.