Coke Florida Brings Food Network Star Emily Ellyn to FIU for a Culinary Experience Students Won’t Forget
Emily Ellyn poses in front of FIU statue
Coca‑Cola Beverages Florida (Coke Florida) sponsored a special on‑campus experience at Florida International University’s Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management, featuring Food Network star, influencer, and culinary educator Emily Ellyn. The April 1 event brought together students, faculty, industry leaders, and partners for a day of creativity, inspiration, and hands‑on learning — all centered around the power of food, community, and opportunity.
This event marks the launch of a new series created by Coke Florida to expand our presence and engagement across campus since becoming the university’s official beverage partner last year. The broader FIU community has continued to welcome us through immersive events, student engagement, and collaborative programming, and we are proud to support the next generation of hospitality leaders.
A Student‑Run Culinary Showcase: Lunch at the Wine Spectator Restaurant Management Laboratory
Emily Ellyn talks with Chef and FIU guests
The day began with a private luncheon at FIU’s Wine Spectator Restaurant Management Laboratory, a student‑run restaurant that serves as a living classroom for future hospitality professionals. Guests were seated across six tables, each hosted by a prominent industry leader. Chef Emily Ellyn — Food Network Star, influencer, and culinary educator — engaged with students at one table, while other participants included:
- Fabiana Ferro, Director of People Operations, 1 Hotel South Beach
- Katia Ponomareva, Director of Event Sales, The Bath Club
- Kevin Waldstein, General Manager, Marriott Hotels / Residence Inn Sunny Isles Beach
- Matthew Weintraub, Plant Manager, Cervecería La Tropical
- James Bermingham, Former CEO, Virgin Hotels
Students showcased their culinary and hospitality talents through a three‑course menu, complete with two creative Coca‑Cola product integrations:
- A Mr Pibb–inspired specialty beverage crafted by FIU mixology students
FIU Mixology Students Create Unique Mr Pibb Cocktail
- A show‑stopping Cherry Coke float served tableside, featuring vanilla ice cream, caramel, Cherry Coke, and a chocolate chip cookie
Cherry Coke Float
Both dishes were inventive, memorable, and a testament to the students’ creativity.
Emily Ellyn LIVE: A Story of Grit, Growth, and Finding Your Path
Emily Ellyn Speaks to FIU Hospitality Students
Following lunch, hundreds of students gathered at the school’s WUC Theater for a live talk with Emily Ellyn. Known for her appearances on Food Network Star, Cupcake Wars, Cutthroat Kitchen, and Beat Bobby Flay, Emily brought her signature energy and authenticity to FIU.
Emily shared her journey — from growing up in a small farm town, to catering meals for her father’s business, to earning degrees in education, culinary arts, and eventually a PhD. She spoke about teaching, traveling the world, helping launch donut shops in Thailand, and the unexpected break that led to her Food Network career.
Her message to students was clear and empowering:
Every experience matters. Every connection matters. Every skill matters. Your path may not be linear, but it will make sense when you look back.
Students asked questions, won prizes, and left with practical advice on building careers in food, hospitality, and media.
Coke Florida on Campus: Engagement, Careers, and Community
Coke Florida joins career panel
Throughout the day, Coke Florida hosted a booth stocked with Mr Pibb and other Coca‑Cola beverages, which quickly became a hit with students passing through the Graham Center.
In addition, Bianny Collado, Talent Acquisition Program Manager, represented Coke Florida on a career panel, answering questions about internships, early‑career opportunities, and what it takes to succeed in the beverage industry. Several other representatives from the local recruiting team provided information about Coke Florida throughout the day during the school’s career fair.
A Partnership That Fuels the Future
FIU Statue
Coke Florida is proud to support FIU — a university that consistently elevates its students, its partners, and the broader hospitality community. Events like this demonstrate the power of collaboration and the impact of investing in future leaders.
We are grateful to be part of the Panthers family and look forward to many more opportunities to engage, inspire, and grow together.
