Main Content Start
State-of-the-Art
Facilities
Facilities
Facilities
Brightwater is housed in a state-of-the-art facility located in 8th Street Market in Bentonville, Arkansas. The school was built due to a generous grant by the Walton Family Foundation. The upgraded facility occupies 27,500 square feet within a larger building surrounded by third-party food-related businesses. Having so much culinary talent under one roof can only intensify the creativity and learning opportunities for the community. The concept is inspired by public markets such as Mercato Centrale in Florence, Italy, with food retail shops, dining stalls and trucks, and other entertainment options.
In addition to the various room photos and details below, feel free to take a virtual tour.
Event Rentals
Many of Brightwater's facilities are available for special occasions, conferences, training and more. Currently, the kitchens can be rented for vendor demonstrations and other short-term needs for a half day or a full day but not for long term use. Email brightwater@nwacc.edu to learn more about event rentals.
Highlights
Kitchens
Brightwater's kitchens offer you access to a variety of the most-up-to-date equipment and unique designs that offer you quality hands-on experience. Kitchens include Jade Suite stoves, chimneys, ranges, grill, prep areas, and more.
Culinary Kitchen | Seasonal Kitchen | Production Kitchen | Outside Kitchen
Bakeshop
Brightwater's bakeshop is furnished like most commercial bakeries. Equipment includes deck ovens, convection ovens, organized mixers, dough sheeter, dough portioner and more.
Butchery
Brightwater is one of a handful of schools in the US to teach whole animal butchery and is equipped with items such as a table saw, industrial meat grinder, buffalo chopper, industrial meat extruder and more.
Ozark Culinary Theater
Brightwater's culinary theater is used for lectures, guest speakers and beer and wine tasting, as well as cooking demonstrations.
Classroom 162
Brightwater's Classroom 162 houses lectures and offers space for teachers to instruct students using a variety of technology.
Conference Room
Brightwater's conference rooms offer space for individuals to gather, brainstorm, host presentations and have in-depth discussions.
Resource Room
Brightwater's resource room is a quiet place for students to gather and study. It offers books, computers and scanners.
Lobby & Common Area
Brightwater's lobby and commons area offer space and seating for students, faculty, staff and visitors to gather, grab a bite to eat, discuss their passions and share their culinary creations.
Mobile Food Lab
Brightwater's Mobile Food Lab is used for culinary training, food demos and special events, as well as for reaching those affected by food insecurity.
Greenhouse
Brightwater's Greenhouse is located on the school's grounds and uses a hydroponic system to grow over 5,500 lbs of produce year-round.