McCracken County High School culinary students recently had the opportunity to step into the role of professional food developers through a unique partnership with Rhodes Convenience Stores. Rhodes approached the school with an idea to collaborate on the creation of a new breakfast item that could potentially be sold in their convenience stores, while also supporting and engaging local high schools in meaningful, hands-on learning experiences.
Throughout the challenge, students were tasked with designing a convenience-store-quality biscuit or burrito that met real-world industry standards. Each product had to excel in taste and consistency, include a detailed cost analysis, and demonstrate the ability to safely hold temperature in a warmer. Rhodes provided core ingredients and equipment, allowing students to work within authentic production parameters.
Working both individually and in teams, students brainstormed concepts, pitched their ideas, practiced and refined their recipes through multiple test runs, and reflected on feedback to make revisions. They also created professional marketing presentations outlining product descriptions, pricing, projected profit, and overall feasibility—mirroring the full product development process used in the food industry.
The project culminated in a formal tasting and focus group, where students presented their final products. Participants sampled each item without discussion until the end to ensure unbiased feedback. Scores from the tasting helped determine which student-created item could be featured as a future “Mustang Café” menu option at Rhodes Convenience Stores.
Rhodes representatives praised the students for their creativity, professionalism, and growth, noting that product development of this caliber often takes months or even years in the real world—making the students’ achievements in just two rounds especially impressive. All participating students received Rhodes gift cards in recognition of their hard work, with a larger prize awarded to the winning team.
Challenge Winner Announced
The top honor went to the team behind the Sweet & Spicy Maple Burrito, created by Grace B., Nalayah M., Jakiya J., and MarKeese C. Their winning entrée impressed judges with its bold yet comforting flavor profile, featuring maple bacon, maple sausage, scrambled eggs, cheddar cheese, hashbrowns, and a signature sweet-and-spicy maple sauce.
Each member of the winning team received a Rhodes gift card for their outstanding creativity and collaboration. McCracken County High School extends its gratitude to Rhodes Convenience Stores for providing students with a powerful, real-world learning experience and to all culinary students who participated. Their innovation, teamwork, and dedication showcased the strength of career-ready learning happening every day at MCHS.