Eastern’s Family and Consumer Sciences department will be adding a class to its agenda where students will completely manage their own restaurant.

“We aren’t sure where exactly (the restaurant) will be yet, but our choices are the Union Rathskeller, converting one of our food labs in Khlem hall into a restaurant or the old dining area in Pemberton,” said James Painter, family and consumer sciences department chair.

The restaurant and class schedule, Painter said, will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

“Some students will come on Tuesday and Thursday and others will come on Wednesday and Friday,” Painter said. “While at class, the students will be completely in charge.”

The students’ duties include managing the restaurant, serving, hosting and cooking and purchasing the food, Painter said.

Each student will rotate into all positions so they are able to gain experience in each field.

“It’s one thing to read about managing a restaurant, and another to actually have the hands on experience,” Painter said. “The class will also give our graduate students a lab to conduct research in food consumption; (the class) is just a necessity for our hospitality program.”

Painter has worked with Eastern for one year, transferring from the University of Illinois, where he taught student-run catering and fine dining businesses.

“This class is just one step closer to the improvements I would like to add to our department,” Painter said. “I hope to also have a wine appreciation class, business etiquette class and a purchasing and catering class.”

Along with these added classes, Painter said he hopes to work with the art, theater art and music departments in creating a cultural dining experience.

“We want to combine disciplines to have our students work with other students across campus,” Painter said. “We would aim toward themed meals.

“For example, one night may be Italian night, where we would have Italian music, art, theater and a meal,” he said.

The class has been approved by the Council on Academic Affairs, and the professor’s position has been approved by Provost Blair Lord.

The search for a professor has not yet begun, but Painter said he hopes to begin searching within the next month.