We aim to provide the skills and knowledge necessary to successfully manage gastronomic establishments.
This program serves as an opportunity to dive into the exciting world of gastronomic management. Participants will have the chance to acquire the essential knowledge and skills to successfully lead and manage a restaurant, supported by experts in the field. Through interactive lessons and case studies, they will gain a solid understanding of all key aspects of management, from operational planning to customer satisfaction and profitability. This course is a gateway for those looking to excel in the restaurant industry, whether to embark on their culinary journey or advance in their current career.
Practical information
Professional Guidance Course
Online format
Dates: October 22, 2024 - March 6, 2025
Live classes: thursdays at 5:30 p.m. (CEST)
Limited spots available
Degree from the Basque Culinary Center Faculty of Gastronomic Sciences.
Inquiries and more information: cursos@bculinary.com.
Program's objectives
Optimize and update the restaurant concept and gastronomic experience, along with the business model, with a holistic vision that includes sustainability, digitization, etc.
Create and/or enhance the restaurant's brand image.
Increase business profitability through operational redesign, financial efficiency, and sales optimization.
Enhance team management skills and improve the employee experience.
Increase customer satisfaction to boost loyalty and create brand ambassadors.
Career oportunities
We know that professional opportunities can vary based on geographical location and individual preferences; however, with this program, participants can take on roles and functions in the following positions and areas:
Restaurant Manager: Graduates can assume leadership roles in restaurant management, overseeing daily operations and ensuring customer satisfaction.
Restaurant Consultant: They can offer consulting services to existing restaurants or assist entrepreneurs in planning and launching their own restaurants.
Food and Beverage Operations Director: They have the opportunity to manage and oversee the food and beverage aspect in hotels, resorts, or other hospitality facilities.
Restaurant Entrepreneurs: Those aspiring to open their own restaurant can apply the knowledge gained in this course to successfully plan, develop, and manage their own gastronomic establishment.
Aimed at/Programme
The program is aimed at individuals with the following profiles:
Professionals currently managing a restaurant
Restaurant supervisors
Restaurant owners
Food and Beverage managers
Culinary or service professionals
Graduates in gastronomy, hospitality, restaurant management, hotel management, or business administration
If you don't see yourself reflected in the above points but are interested in the course, feel free to contact us. We will assess your education and experience and get in touch with you.
Curriculum
Module 1: Restaurant Management and Customer-Centric Experience
Introduction to the world of restaurant management
Identification of the objectives and responsabilities of the general manager
Analysis of the current industry environment
Trends in restaurant management and direction
Sustainability as a key focus of the sector
Purpose as the core of the company
Module 2: Strategic Restaurant Design
Strategic design of a restaurant for the customer
Mission, vision, and purpose of the business
Design of sustainable business models
Brand development
Development of a philosophy consistent with the restaurant
Module 3: Menu Design and Creation
Current trends in food and beverage offerings for the new type of customer
Food menu design
Beverage menu design
Module 4: Making a Restaurant Marketable and Profitable
Cost and profitability analysis
Budget and finance management
Handling accounts payable and accounts receivable
Financial analysis and decision-making
Advanced sales tools (upselling and cross-selling)
Advanced communication tools: digital marketing and social media presence
Module 5: Developing Leadership and Talent in Our Teams
Attracting talent in the culinary world
Planning and management of staff
Recruitment and selection: culinary profile
The cycle of employee development and retention
Onboarding and exit plan
Module 6: Efficiency and Digitalization of Operations
Introduction to the digitalization of operations
Digital tools (what they are and how we can use them)
Reflection on the data obtained
Calendar
Academic period: October 22, 2024 - March 6, 2025
Introduction to the platform (module 0): One week before the course starts, participants will have the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the course methodology and the learning platform.
Virtual classroom closure: april 6th, 2025
Approximate weekly dedication: 12 hours
Weekly live session: thursdays at 5:30 p.m.(CEST)
Live classes will be recorded for on-demand viewing. All educational materials will be available through the platform 24 hours a day throughout the course.
Methodology
The program is delivered entirely online, utilizing the learning by doing methodology, which is based on the idea that the best way to learn is through hands-on experience and direct action. Instead of focusing exclusively on theory and passive instruction, this methodology encourages students to acquire knowledge and skills by actively engaging in practical activities and real projects. Additionally, the program and its contents have been specifically designed for virtual training, enabling participants to access quality education from anywhere and at any time.
The teaching-learning process is based on the following methodological concepts:
Live online sessions: Industry experts will explain conceptual foundations, discuss success and failure cases, and generate debate dynamics in virtual connections.
Online dedication tailored to needs: Access to resources and materials hosted on the online platform to work on and delve into the content autonomously.
Knowledge exchange and networking: Facilitates the sharing of knowledge, experiences, difficulties, and success stories within the group, both in virtual sessions and on the platform's forums.
Applied to the current reality of restaurants: Real cases and exercises from the restaurant sector, constituting a personalized work process on the different areas of the program.
Personalized tutoring: Students will have the support of the tutor, Blanca González, during the course.
Teachers and guests
Learn from Industry Experts with Experience!
Students will have the opportunity to learn from accomplished professionals in the field, recognized for their academic, intellectual, and social influence, as well as their impactful contributions. The program features a panel of instructors composed of experienced culinary experts with specialized knowledge in the field of Gastronomy.

Blanca González Nicolás
COORDINATOR AND COURSE TUTOR
Graduated in Business Administration and Management from the Universitat Ramón Llull in Barcelona with a specialization in finance. Master's in Restaurant Management and Innovation from the Basque Culinary Center. Blanca currently works as a management consultant for gastronomic projects in both hotels and restaurants. She also serves as a trainer for gastronomic businesses and a guest lecturer in other institutions.

Izaskun Zurbitu
COURSE DESIGNER
Izaskun is the Coordinator of the Business Area and a teacher-coach of innovation in business, experiences, and entrepreneurship at Basque Culinary Center. Izaskun holds a degree in Food Science and Technology from UPV and a Master's in Marketing Research from Johns Hopkins. As a Fulbright Scholar (2006-7), Izaskun has developed her career in the international promotion of Spanish gastronomy at a strategic level, overseeing European and Asian markets within Foods and Wines from Spain, ICEX. Izaskun enjoys designing and implementing gastronomic experiences, such as the award-winning Valdemar Winery in Best Of as the "Innovative Wine Tourism Experience" in 2018, and the dynamization of the permanent exhibition at the San Telmo Museum through gastronomy (2018-19). With experience in consulting at McKinsey, Izaskun has developed promotional campaigns on gastronomy in the USA, Ireland, and Spain, integrating economic, touristic, and cultural perspectives with many stakeholders in the gastronomic ecosystem. Currently, Izaskun is researching the role of gastronomy in the development of a region/country and its brand from an academic and consulting perspective.
Enrolment and payment methods
The total cost of the course is 2,030 €, which will be paid as follows:
150 € when registering online.
40% of the amount, i.e., €752, upon confirmation of admission as a reservation fee.
The remaining amount, €1,128, must be paid in advance before the start of the course.
The price includes:
Access to the online learning platform.
Educational material.
Masterclasses with guest experts.
Issuance of the title/diploma.
Tutoring throughout the course.
Refund and Cancellation Policy:
Consult detailed information about the refund and cancellation policy.