Magic on the Menu

In January 2026, the WET Center, in partnership with Accelerate CA, hosted Magic on the Menu. This inspiring event brought together community members, students, and hospitality professionals for an inside look at excellence in high-pressure environments. Guests heard from industry professionals from Club 33 and 21 Royal at Disneyland, who traveled to the Central Valley to share their experiences building exceptional teams, creating memorable guest experiences, and leading in some of the industry's most demanding kitchens.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1DLkWxJJPK8

The fireside chat offered valuable insights into leadership, service, and career growth that extend far beyond hospitality. The conversation highlighted the importance of building strong teams, creating meaningful experiences, and leading with purpose, lessons that resonate across many different fields.

Before the conversation began, the evening opened with remarks from Fresno State Provost, Dr. Xuanning Fu, who spoke about the importance of the community surrounding Fresno State and how principles of food science, leadership, and service can be applied across disciplines and industries.

Following those remarks, Eric Hadden, Executive Director of the WET Center, welcomed guests and shared the story behind Culinary Catalyst, our food business accelerator. He emphasized the Central Valley’s role as a leading food hub and the importance of investing in innovation and entrepreneurship within our own community to support continued regional economic development. Originally funded through a USDA grant, the program will return in late summer 2026 with support from the California Office of the Small Business Advocate, continuing its mission of helping aspiring food entrepreneurs build and grow their businesses.

The program continued with a broader discussion on the impact food can have on a community. McKay Duran from the Central California Food Bank highlighted the importance of donations and the meaningful difference they make throughout the region. Hank and Lisa Gutierrez then shared the story of the Malaga Food Pantry, which operates out of Malaga Elementary School and works to ensure students and their families have reliable access to food and are prepared to learn.

The fireside chat then featured Todd Collier, Sous Chef; Yvonne Medina, Assistant General Manager; and Christopher Moran, General Manager of Club 33 and 21 Royal.

Drawing from their careers with Disney, they spoke about the humility, service, and leadership required in high-level hospitality roles, not only in serving guests but also in supporting and developing the teams they lead. Throughout the discussion, they offered practical lessons on navigating high-pressure situations, building strong workplace cultures, and growing as leaders. Their experiences provided valuable takeaways for anyone interested in leadership, regardless of industry, and highlighted the impact thoughtful leadership can have in any organization.

The event concluded with a reception where attendees connected with the speakers and one another while enjoying appetizers prepared by Fresno State Catering.

For those who were unable to attend, or who would like to hear more from our guests, we invite you to watch the full fireside chat on our YouTube channel and revisit the experiences, insights, and lessons they shared.

Magic on the Menu served as a reminder of the power of connection, innovation, and leadership. Through conversations around entrepreneurship, service, and hospitality, the event highlighted how lessons from the food industry can inspire growth and strengthen communities across the region.

Watch Full Video