Granite Technical Institute (GTI) received a $5 million APEX grant from the State of Utah to develop a new hospitality and tourism center, featuring what is planned to be Utah’s first student-led restaurant and event center of its kind. The project will provide students with hands-on, real-world experience in a professional setting, bringing together multiple programs, including culinary arts, finance, and graphic design. Students will help operate both the restaurant and event center, with an adult event manager providing oversight.

The goal is to create a proficiency-based, career-focused learning environment where students gain practical experience managing the operations of a hospitality business, from food preparation and service to event management and financial operations. The center is intended to become self-sustaining, and construction was anticipated to support an opening in fall 2027.