Food Network chef Jet Tila is coming to The University of Texas at Arlington to create a special barbecue pop-up stand and free interactive teaching kitchens.
Tila's Thai fusion barbecue pop-up will be on the Central Library Mall from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on April 5. The teaching kitchens will be at Connection Café in the University Center. The UTA visit came through a collaboration with the UTA Maverick Dining team, which is managed by Chartwells Higher Education Dining Services.
"This is such a great opportunity for our residents and students to meet and interact with a Food Network star chef right here on our campus," said Mari Duncan, UT Arlington director of residence life. "It will be a memory they will have for years to come."
Stephanie Edgett, assistant director for contract management at UT Arlington, said, "It's really exciting to have Chef Jet partnering with Maverick Dining to bring a unique and exclusive experience to our students and campus."
Tila will bring Thai fusion to Tre's BBQ, a pop-up stand created by the Maverick Dining culinary team that is named after Maverick Dining chef Austin "Tre" Banks. The pop-up concept launched in March 2021 and has continued to gain popularity on campus. The menu includes Texas-style BBQ staples all made in-house.
The campus visit, sponsored by Pepsi, will give the UT Arlington and greater Dallas-Fort Worth communities the experience of meeting and enjoying food created by a Food Network celebrity chef. Those who participate in the teaching kitchens will learn from and cook alongside Tila. Signed copies of his latest cookbook will be available to continue the cooking experience at home.
"Our team's focus is to constantly provide innovation that our students and guests can truly taste," said Sean Armstrong, resident district manager with Maverick Dining. "Our unique partnership with Chef Jet is such a benefit for Maverick Country. We are excited to welcome him to Connection Café and Tre's BBQ!"
- Written by Megan Hein, Chartwells Higher Education
