Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

College students working in restaurants get financial help

Staff //January 28, 2022//

College students working in restaurants get financial help

Staff //January 28, 2022//

Listen to this article

Queen Street Hospitality Group presents a check to College of Charleston, from left, School of Business Dean Alan T. Shao, QSHG Chief Operating Officer Patrick Kish, QSHG Founder Steve Kish, QSHG Event Coordinator Trista Creighton, QSHG Chief Executive Officer Jonathan Kish and Chair, CofC Department of Hospitality & Tourism Management Brumby McLeod.In honor of Charleston’s culinary icon, Steve Kish, Queen Street Hospitality has established an endowed fund at the College of Charleston in his name. Scholarships will benefit students involved in hospitality and tourism at the School of Business.

Kish, the owner of Florence’s Lowcountry Kitchen, Jalisco Taqueria & Tequila and 82 Queen, is making the initial $82,000 donation.

The scholarship in Kish’s name coincides with the celebration of his retirement, Queen Street Hospitality said in a news release.

“To see my life’s work celebrated by the development of this scholarship is a true honor,” Kish said in a statement. “I’m humbled to have had such a successful and longstanding career in Charleston’s ever-evolving culinary scene, and to be able to propel the next generation of culinary professionals forward brings it all full circle.”

The first scholarship recipient will be named in fall 2022 and will be selected by the scholarship committee in CofC’s Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management. Preference will be given to students working in the restaurant industry while attending college and who have a financial need — as determined by the College of Charleston financial aid and Veterans Affairs Office and Free Application for Federal Student Aid form.

“I would like to thank Steve Kish for making a difference in the lives of our hospitality students,” said dean of the College of Charleston School of Business Alan T.  Shao in a statement. “His meaningful generosity illustrates how intertwined the School of Business is with the business community, and we are grateful for the opportunities it awards our students.”

Kish has served in the restaurant industry for 40 years and is a founding member of the American Culinary Federation, a Charleston Restaurant Association board member and a Taste of Charleston and Lowcountry Oyster Festival Chairman. 

Students can apply for the scholarship through the Cougar Scholarship Award System.

“Because of Steve’s support, students will be able to fully immerse themselves in a guest-focused destination education where academics, community and industry meet in a unique way. I congratulate Steve on his retirement and thank him for paying it forward with our students,” Chair of the Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management Brumby McLeod said in a statement.

t