Auburn University's 1856 Culinary Residence Achieves MICHELIN Recognition

Auburn University's 1856 – Culinary Residence has recently made headlines after being awarded the distinguished Recommended status in the inaugural edition of the MICHELIN Guide's selection of recommended restaurants in the American South. This significant accolade not only recognizes the restaurant's exceptional quality, technique, and consistency, but also marks a historic milestone for both Auburn University and the state of Alabama.

Located at the Tony Libba Rane Culinary Science Center, 1856 is the only teaching restaurant in the United States to receive this honor. Furthermore, it stands out as the first establishment in Auburn, Alabama, to have its culinary excellence acknowledged by the renowned MICHELIN Guide, which is celebrated worldwide as a benchmark for fine dining.

Hans van der Reijden, the founder and CEO of Ithaka Hospitality Partners, expressed great pride in this recognition, stating, "We are honored and thrilled to be recognized by The MICHELIN Guide. Our unique partnership with the Horst Schulze School of Hospitality Management not only provides a distinctive dining experience for our guests at 1856 but also contributes to shaping the next generation of hospitality leaders."

The 1856 – Culinary Residence was one of only ten restaurants in Alabama to secure this honor, a testament to its commitment to culinary excellence. The announcement was made in a ceremony held on November 3, 2025, in Greenville, South Carolina.

Named to commemorate the year Auburn University was established, 1856 serves as an innovative teaching restaurant in collaboration with the Horst Schulze School of Hospitality Management. With the guidance of esteemed hospitality faculty and a dedicated chef in residence, students at 1856 gain invaluable hands-on experience by preparing and serving à la carte lunches and intricate multi-course tasting menus for dinner services. This immersive learning environment fosters a unique culinary experience for both students and guests.

Dr. Martin O'Neill, the head of the Horst Schulze School of Hospitality Management, elaborated on the restaurant's educational mission: "In 1856, our endeavor is to dissolve the boundaries between classroom learning and real-world excellence. Each service is an interactive lesson, equipping our students with not just technical skills but also a profound sense of pride in crafting memorable experiences for our guests. This honor serves to validate our model of immersive, experiential education in hospitality."

The recognition by the MICHELIN Guide stands as a testament to 1856’s unwavering commitment to culinary artistry, while simultaneously underscoring Auburn University's leadership role in hospitality education and experiential learning methodologies.

Susan Hubbard, Dean of the College of Human Sciences, proudly remarked, "We could not be prouder of our students and faculty in the hospitality management program. Their dedication to excellence has propelled 1856 to national fame in just over three years. Our collaboration with industry pioneers has transformed how we train the hospitality professionals of tomorrow. This achievement reflects their talent, hard work, and vision, and it's merely the beginning of a new chapter."

In closing, the achievement of the 1856 – Culinary Residence is not just about the award; it encapsulates the growth, innovation, and dedication of Auburn University in preparing the future of the hospitality industry. The accolade serves as a springboard for what lies ahead in this dynamic culinary journey.