J. Alexander’s Restaurant Honored by The School of Hospitality Business

CAREER EXPO, The School’s annual hospitality career fair, has honored one company each year since 2002, recognizing those organizations which enjoy a close relationship with The School, demonstrating consistent support over many years and commitment at the highest levels. The companies actively recruit students for internships and graduate placements, provide guest speakers in the classrooms; sponsor School activities and events; help fund elective courses; and offer property tours and accommodations, as well as student scholarships. The award confirms the strong connection between The School, its students, and the hospitality industry.

Headquartered in Nashville, TN, J. Alexander’s Restaurant operates 33 restaurants in thirteen states. The company’s menu features a wide selection of made-from-scratch American classics, including steaks, prime rib, and fresh seafood, as well as a large assortment of interesting salads, sandwiches, and desserts. J. Alexander’s also has a full-service bar that features an outstanding selection of wines.

J. Alexander’s Restaurant recruiters have served on CAREER EXPO professional development panels and have, for over ten years, come to campus to meet students and interview them. The company has a very strong managerial internship program which has launched the careers of many hospitality business students into J. Alexander’s full-time managerial positions. 

J. Alexander’s has also hosted restaurant tours and tastings for School students during the National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago. 

In addition, former Director of Human Resources Tony Espinosa and Lisa Nelson, manager of recruiting, have spoken in a variety of School classes, and Tony has flown to MSU at his own expense to offer dining etiquette workshops planned by students enrolled in The School’s Meeting and Event Planning and Management class. 

Instrumental in strengthening J. Alexander’s relationship with The School, Tony acknowledges that strong partnership, saying, “For many years, it has been clear to me that excellence, quality, and professionalism are characteristic of the faculty members and students in The School. These are the same things that are important at J. Alexander’s.” He goes on, “MSU students continue to be a significant driving force in the company’s operations.” 

The School of Hospitality Business is honored to have J. Alexander’s chairman, president, and CEO, Lonnie Stout II, deliver the keynote address and accept the Industry Partner of the Year award at CAREER EXPO XXXII. Joining him will be Vice President of Human Resources and Administration Mike Moore, Service Operations Manager Shannon Hall, Regional Director Ralph Carnevale, as well as Lisa Nelson.

CAREER EXPO will celebrate its 32nd annual career fair with the theme “A World of Opportunity.” Fifty-seven companies and over 130 recruiters will participate. Typically, over 700 students attend CAREER EXPO, which includes a full day of professional development workshops and a keynote address by the Industry Partner of the Year. This is followed by the evening’s career fair. The next day, companies conduct interviews. 

This year, CAREER EXPO takes place on Tuesday, November 2, at the Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center, with interviews on Wednesday, November 3, at Spartan Stadium. 


Logos, product and company names mentioned are the property of their respective owners.

Reader Comments:

Be the first to leave a comment for this article

Tweet