Hillsborough College Moved Culinary Program

The program relocated to Feeding Tampa Bay this fall ahead of a planned move to the Ybor City campus.

Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Dining Out

Screen-print poster illustration of a copper mixing bowl with a whisk, rendered in mustard, teal, and rust colors. — Hillsborough College has relocated its culinary arts program to the Feeding Tampa Bay Causeway Center, providing students with expanded kitchen facilities before a planned move to Ybor City. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Should local colleges invest millions of dollars to upgrade their vocational training facilities?

Hillsborough College moved its culinary program from the Dale Mabry campus to the Feeding Tampa Bay Causeway Center in fall 2026. The move allows students to utilize a 4,395-square-foot facility while preparing for a permanent transition to Ybor City.

Why it matters

The relocation resolves critical infrastructure gaps, such as the previous lack of a pastry kitchen and insufficient storage. This partnership also embeds students directly within a prominent local food organization.

The temporary space provides 4,395 square feet for kitchen and dining operations. The future Ybor City facility will encompass 13,000 square feet at a projected renovation cost between $8 million and $10 million.

The players

Hillsborough College

This public community college serves the Tampa Bay region with various academic and professional programs.

Feeding Tampa Bay

This nonprofit organization works to end hunger across the Tampa Bay area through food distribution and community support.

The details

Students are currently operating the Bistro 118 restaurant for lunch twice a week at the Feeding Tampa Bay site. The college plans to convert existing campus infrastructure, including a fitness center and cafeteria, into a permanent facility that will eventually host a new pastry program.

The program moved to the Feeding Tampa Bay facility in fall 2026.
The college will lease the temporary space for the next two years.
Construction on the permanent facility is scheduled to begin in spring 2027.

City Hall
Sept. 23
Tampa City Council Approved $2 Billion Budget
Baseball
Sept. 18
Rays Partnered with Legends for New Ballpark Project
Dining Out
Sept. 30
Coco's Will Open New Tampa Restaurant in October

Culture Shift

This program relocation follows the trend of integrating vocational training with local non-profit community hubs to bridge education and social needs. By partnering with organizations like Feeding Tampa Bay, the institution connects students to the local food scene.

Residents can support student development by visiting the Bistro 118 restaurant for lunch twice a week at the Causeway Center. This provides the community with a unique dining option while helping students gain practical culinary experience.

The takeaway

Students benefit from operating in a professional kitchen environment while the college prepares for its long-term expansion in Ybor City. Local diners should look for expanded programming and new pastry offerings once the permanent facility opens in the future.