Lobdell’s: A Teaching Restaurant

Part of the Great Lakes Culinary Institute

Lobdell’s serves as a working laboratory for Great Lakes Culinary Institute students. The 90-seat restaurant overlooks beautiful Grand Traverse Bay and is open to the public for lunch during the fall and spring semesters, breakfast treats and coffee during the summer, and dinners and special events throughout the year. It is named in honor of longtime NMC supporters Wayne and Terry Lobdell.

Lobdell's is located on the second level of NMC's Great Lakes campus, at 715 E. Front St.

Lobdell’s is closed during NMC holidays and Spring Break.

Lunch Service

Dates: Fall and Spring semesters

Reservation times: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

World Cuisine Series

World Cuisine events provide our students experience with small plate prix fixe menu service while exploring cuisines and cultures from around the world.

Lunch service consists of three courses that include an appetizer, a main course and a dessert. Dinner service consists of four courses that include an appetizer, soup or salad, a main course, dessert and a glass of wine or beer.

Lunch and event reservations can be made via the Great Lakes Culinary Institute's OpenTable page.

Lobdell’s opens September 18!

Lobdell's Restaurant will open for lunch for the Fall 2025 semester on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from Sept. 17 through Dec. 3.

Farm-to-table dinners are also returning on Thursday, Sept. 11, Sept. 25 and Oct. 2. Students enrolled in the Farm to Table class will showcase their knowledge and skills as they prepare food items from local and regional farms.

Each dinner will have a unique prix fixe menu and an optional wine flight paired with the courses. The price is $65 per person plus tax and service, and wine pairing with an additional charge for the optional wine flight.

Lunch reservations open to the public on Monday, Aug. 25. The lunch menu will be available in mid-September.