News Summary
Florida State University’s Little Dinner Series is set to return this fall, offering themed culinary experiences that showcase student talent. Since 1957, these sought-after events feature a remarkable four-course meal, integrating creativity and hospitality. The series serves as a capstone experience for students, providing hands-on learning in real-world settings. With previous events selling out quickly, this year’s themed dinners promise excitement, and ticket sales will begin soon. Guests are encouraged to dress according to the themes, enhancing the immersive dining experience while supporting student learning programs.
Tallahassee – Florida State University’s Little Dinner Series is returning this fall with a selection of themed culinary experiences designed to showcase the talents of hospitality and culinary students. The series, a cherished tradition since 1957, offers unique dining events that have become highly sought after in the Tallahassee area.
The upcoming Fall 2025 Little Dinner Series will feature multiple themed dinners on select dates, including October 21, 23, 28, 30, November 4, 13, 18, 20, and December 2 and 4. Each evening promises a remarkable four-course meal prepared by students, providing an immersive experience that integrates menu creation, cocktails, decor, and overall guest engagement. Tickets for these dinners are priced at $90, which includes a cocktail reception at 6:30 p.m. followed by dinner at 7 p.m. The events will be held at University Center Building B, 5th Floor.
The Little Dinner Series serves as a capstone experience for students enrolled at the Dedman College of Hospitality, allowing them hands-on learning opportunities that mirror real-world culinary and hospitality environments. Students are organized into management teams, taking on various roles including general manager, executive chef, and service manager to ensure extensive exposure to the operational aspects of event execution.
This summer’s series has already garnered significant interest, with all tickets for the themed evenings on July 22, July 24, and July 29 sold out. The themes, including Top Gun, Shakespeare: To Feast or Not to Feast, and Titanic: The Unsinkable Dinner, provided guests with not only exquisite dishes but also decor and experiences that offered a taste of immersive storytelling.
The Guest experience is enriched not just by the food but also by the interaction and participation; guests are encouraged to embrace the themes in their attire, adding to the overall ambiance of these popular dinners. The program has evolved over the years, embracing both regional flavors and whimsical concepts, with past themes such as “A Taste of Italy” and “Feast on the Nile,” showcasing the range and creativity of the students involved.
Proceeds from the Little Dinner Series directly benefit student learning programs at the Dedman College, reinforcing the educational mission of the series while providing students with a platform to showcase their culinary skills. The success of prior events has made the Little Dinner Series one of the hardest reservations to secure in Tallahassee, with tickets often selling out within minutes of availability.
In addition to culinary creativity, Chef Zack Weston, the faculty leader of the series, emphasizes the importance of real-world experience in preparing students for their future careers. The hands-on learning approach allows students to deeply engage with the various facets of hospitality and culinary arts, making it an invaluable part of their education.
The Fall 2025 Little Dinner Series ticket sales will be conducted through Eventbrite and the series’ dedicated website. Guests should also be aware that there is a dress code in place for the dinners, requiring men to wear blazers and women to don cocktail attire to align with the elevated dining experience.
For further information and updates regarding the Little Dinner Series, interested individuals are encouraged to visit the Dedman College of Hospitality website. As new themes and opportunities become available, this popular and long-standing tradition in Tallahassee continues to thrive, engaging the community and cultivating the next generation of hospitality professionals.
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New Culinary Delights Emerge in Tallahassee
Additional Resources
- Tallahassee.com: FSU’s Little Dinner Series
- News Herald: Panama City Beach Dining
- Wikipedia: Culinary Arts
- Dignity Memorial: Doris Winters
- Tallahassee.com: Return of FSU’s Dinner Series
Author: STAFF HERE TALLAHASSEE WRITER
The TALLAHASSEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETallahassee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tallahassee, Leon County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Springtime Tallahassee, Tallahassee Jazz & Blues Festival, and LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Big Bend, plus leading businesses in education, healthcare, and insurance that power the local economy such as Florida State University, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, and Capital Health Plan. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
