The Culinary Arts program at Butler Community College is moving forward with “Culinary 2.0.” Scott Redler, co-founder and COO of Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, and wife Betsy say they and Vantage Point Properties are making significant donations to the Butler Community College Foundation to support the growth and expansion of Butler’s award-winning Culinary Arts program.
The cash and land gifts prepare Butler’s Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management programs to make significant enhancements. The result will be a brand-new teaching and entertaining facility in Andover’s hottest development area on Kellogg. The building will serve as a state-of-the-art training facility for the Culinary and Hospitality program while providing students the opportunity to showcase their cuisines to the public.
The vision is the brainchild of Scott Redler, who currently sits on the board for the National Restaurant Association.
“I’ve been thinking about this for some time,” said Redler. “I think this venue will bring a lot of excitement to the Andover area not only as a food and hospitality venue, but also will provide a state-of-the-art training facility for Butler’s outstanding Culinary and Hospitality program. I’ve been a part of the Butler program for over 25 years. It’s a dynamic program and they have accomplished a great deal with the facilities they’ve had. Now we are ready for a facility and teaching team that will make the program known in the Midwest for culinary and hospitality excellence.”
The vision and timing fit well with the City of Andover’s current economic development plans for the area on Kellogg near the Dillons Marketplace. Paul Jackson, President of Vantage Point Properties, also got excited about the vision.
Over the years, Redler has presented many times to Butler’s Culinary students and has hired students into the Freddy’s organization. Butler alumnus Chris Williams is now managing one of the highest volume Freddy’s in the country at Maple and Ridge in Wichita, and former Butler student Curtis Beat working as a Freddy’s Franchisee.
Williams was a college graduate, a husband and a father when he entered Butler’s program. He enrolled and graduated with certificates in both Hospitality Management and Culinary Arts. Williams was introduced to Redler during his first year at Butler and that started a connection.
Scott Redler is also involved with the Kansas Restaurant and Hospitality Board, and he and Betsy both serve on multiple boards in the Wichita area.