NFCI exterior

About NFCI

NFCI Sudents
NFCI Sudents
Hands-On Culinary & Hospitality Education

Unique Learning Experience

The Niagara Falls Culinary Institute (NFCI) is a 90,000 square foot mixed-use facility located in a portion of the former Rainbow Mall, offering students a one-of-a-kind educational experience.

  • State-of-the-art teaching kitchens with European island cooking suites, dedicated to Culinary Arts and Baking & Pastry Arts students.
  • Hands-on experience through special events that provide real-world exposure to hospitality and event planning.
  • A practical, immersive learning environment that prepares students for careers in the hospitality industry.
NFCI Sudents
NFCI Sudents
Two culinary students in white chef uniforms proudly present a plated dish in a modern kitchen classroom, while two other students work in the background near stainless steel counters and large windows.
Two culinary students in white chef uniforms proudly present a plated dish in a modern kitchen classroom, while two other students work in the background near stainless steel counters and large windows.
Expert Faculty & Cutting-Edge Industry Techniques

Learn from the Best

At NFCI, students receive top-tier instruction from expert faculty in:

  • Baking & Pastry Arts
  • Culinary Arts
  • Hospitality Management

Our faculty brings real-world experience and the latest industry techniques to the classroom, ensuring students gain practical skills that set them apart in the workforce.

Two culinary students in white chef uniforms proudly present a plated dish in a modern kitchen classroom, while two other students work in the background near stainless steel counters and large windows.
Two culinary students in white chef uniforms proudly present a plated dish in a modern kitchen classroom, while two other students work in the background near stainless steel counters and large windows.
Chef teaching community education class
Chef teaching community education class
Dining, Events, and Hands-On Experiences

Visit & Experience NFCI

  • Savor: A student-run upscale restaurant featuring an in-kitchen chef’s table, open-hearth oven, and exhibition-style cooking.
  • La Patisserie: A European-style pastry café.
  • Ice Sculpting Lab & Culinary Store: Hands-on experiences and specialty products.
  • Statler Culinary Theatre: A dynamic classroom and event space for visiting celebrity chefs.
  • Mise en Place: A Wegmans-sponsored community education kitchen offering hands-on cooking classes.

Whether you’re a prospective student or just visiting, NFCI provides an unforgettable experience.

Chef teaching community education class
Chef teaching community education class

Explore, learn, and connect with the culinary community

Shadow Day at Niagara Falls Culinary Institute

Come gain hands-on experience at the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute! Potential students will be immersed in a laboratory setting of their choice. Students will be able to connect with current students and faculty.

Register Now


Meet Our Educators

A woman wearing glasses, a white chefs coat, and a tall white chef hat smiles at the camera against a solid blue background.

Cathleen Barron, CEPC

Assistant Professor; Coordinator of Baking & Pastry Arts; Baking & Pastry Arts, Chef

A woman with wavy, shoulder-length brown hair smiles at the camera. She is wearing a white chef’s coat and is posed in front of a plain blue background.

Myriah Meyer

Technical Assistant; Baking & Pastry Arts

A woman with short, wavy brown hair and glasses wears a white chef’s coat, standing in front of a solid blue background.

Seana Sullivan, CEPC

Instructor; Baking & Pastry Arts

A woman with long, curly dark hair and fair skin smiles at the camera. She is wearing a black top and red lipstick, with a blue background behind her.

Emily Lonigan

Director of Community Education

A man with shoulder-length curly hair, glasses, and a short goatee is wearing a dark jacket over a gray shirt, posing in front of a solid blue background.

Dominic Fabrizio

Technical Assistant; Culinary Arts

A chef wearing a white chefs coat and hat stands against a solid blue background, smiling at the camera.

Nathan Koscielski, CCE

Assistant Professor; Culinary Arts, Chef

John Matwijkow, CCE

Associate Professor; Culinary Arts, Chef

John Pope

Instructor; Culinary Arts

Scott Steiner, CCE, AAC

Associate Professor; Coordinator of Culinary Arts, Chef

Josh Blumberg

Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs; Hospitality, Baking & Culinary Arts

Daniel DiPirro

Instructor; Coordinator of Hospitality Program

Benjamin Loomis, CEC

Chef Instructor

Contact

  • Niagara Falls Culinary Institute
  • 28 Old Falls Street Niagara Falls, NY 14303
  • Phone: 716-210-2525
  • Reception Desk Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (EST)