Shark Bites Café: Serving Up Life Skills One Meal at a Time

The Shark Bites Café at the Sierra School of Alhambra is more than just a place to grab a quick bite. Originally conceived as a small stand selling chips and drinks, it has blossomed into a vibrant hub where students and staff come together, fostering community and life skills in equal measure. At lunchtime every Thursday, the café buzzes with excitement as students eagerly anticipate their turn to participate – whether as customers or as staff learning critical job skills.

Student volunteers work behind the counter, take orders, handle cash, and deliver meals. For nonverbal students, visual menus allow them to preorder food by pointing to their choices. The entire process is designed to make the experience as realistic as possible, with staff modeling exceptional customer service practices such as clear communication, patience and courtesy.

The café is led by special education teacher and ‘23-24 Teacher of the Year, Enrique Rivas and Josie Garcia, a teaching assistant with a passion for food and education. Garcia brings years of food service experience, a culinary school background, and the personal touch of cooking for her autistic son. Together, they’ve transformed the café into a hands-on learning environment where students gain vocational skills and confidence.

Entrance into the café is aligned with the positive behavioral interventions and supports system (PBIS). Students earn “case points” or “case cash” for good behavior, which they can redeem for café rewards. The addition of a tip system has further elevated the experience – each time a tip is given, a bell rings, and the tips are shared among the students working that day.

“The students look forward to their café days all week,” said Rivas. “For them, it’s not just about the work; it’s the excitement of contributing and interacting with others in a real-world setting.”

The menu, crafted with simplicity and food allergies in mind, caters to both students and staff, offering options like ramen, grilled cheese, chicken quesadillas, tacos, and flautas. Garcia ensures the meals are fresh and easy to prepare using crockpots and hot plates. The student staff even wear uniforms inspired by Ariel’s Grotto Café at nearby Disneyland, adding an extra touch of professionalism and fun.

The café experience is more than food service – it’s a weekly life skills lesson. Students learn inventory management, food safety, hygiene and teamwork. Those serving as customers learn patience, manners and communication skills. Future plans include field trips where students will help shop for café supplies.

“We have one student who makes grilled cheese sandwiches who had never cooked before,” said Rivas. “When he went home and made one for his mom, she was so happy. That’s the goal – teaching students something new that they can take home, apply in their community, and show themselves they’re capable.”

For the staff, the project is deeply personal. They aim to help students develop adaptability and independence they can carry into adulthood, whether in the workplace or daily life.

“The café has become something the whole school looks forward to,” said Rivas. “It’s about showing students what they can achieve and building a community where every member plays a part.”