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Marc Cassel and Suzan Fries

“We met while attending El Centro’s Food and Hospitality Institute over 20 years ago,” says Marc Cassel.

“I worked at several restaurants afterwards, including Baby Routh, The Mansion on Turtle Creek, Star Canyon and Azalea. I then served as executive chef at The Green Room. Suzan and I now run our seafood joint on Peavy Road. We like the creativity of the profession. Working with young people keeps us young. El Centro helped us develop a stronger work ethic and apply what we learned.” 

Marc Cassel began his culinary career after reading an article in 1988 about the chef apprenticeship program at El Centro.

“I always had wanted to be a chef,” he says. “Like a lot of other enthusiastic 'retreads,’ I was looking for a new career, and the program at El Centro was financially within my means compared to the debt of attending a private chef’s school.” 

He graduated from the El Centro chef apprenticeship program in 1991. Suzan and Mark have catered to the palates of Dallas diners for decades. Their cooking pedigree includes Baby Routh, The Mansion, Star Canyon, Dragonfly and a legendary nine-year run at The Green Room. 20 Feet Seafood Joint is located at 1160 Peavy Road in East Dallas, 972-707-7442.


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Sharon Gray

Sharon D. Gray

Network Operations Manager AT&T Mobility
“I’ve learned that it’s never too late for your dreams to come true — you just have to keep pushing. With patience and determination, hard work will pay off. It just takes getting started. Going back to school was definitely one of the best choices I’ve made in my life, and I’m starting to see it pay off.”
Business and Management
Sarah Martinez

Sarah Martinez

Hilton Dallas/Park Cities
“This program definitely made me feel inclusive and opens its doors to all walks of life to an industry that otherwise I would have never experienced or found on my own. I would tell people going through the program to take risks and try as many positions in this field. You never know when you may find your niche.”
Business and Management
Sharon Daniels-Megginson

Sharon Daniels-Megginson

Real Estate Broker and CEO Sharon Daniels Properties and Real Estate Specialist and Adjunct Faculty
“I was also able to apply for my real estate license exam with my associate degree. I make it my goal to tell other students, real estate agents and everyone I meet in the real estate field about furthering their education and obtaining a degree at the same time.”
Real Estate

Pat Sykes

Director H&R Block Premium
“The on-the-job applications drew the positive attention of my boss and enhanced my performance in the workplace. The Management Program helped develop the skill sets necessary to lead and coach others.”
Business and Management
Marc Cassel and Suzan Fries
Marc Cassel and Suzan Fries
Chefs/Proprietors, 20 Feet Seafood Joint
Culinary and Pastry Arts
School of Business, Hospitality and Global Trade
Updated September 16, 2025