People of The Institute       Alumni Profiles         Peter Weisberg, Culinary Arts '00   With a degree in economics from Boston College and gainful employment as a risk analyst at Goldman Sachs, Peter Weisberg's entrepreneurial spirit landed him back in school. When George Pappas, a family friend and the former president of the New Jersey Restaurant Association, asked him to participate in an enterprise to open corporate cafes in large office buildings, Weisberg couldn't refuse. He enrolled in the Culinary Arts program at ICE® in January 2000 to acquire the expertise needed to oversee culinary operations at the cafes. Upon completing the program at ICE®, Weisberg was confident that he was ready to make A La Cart, Inc. a success. He says that when he is on-site in the bistros, he spends a substantial portion of his time managing employees; his experience at ICE® gave him the knowledge needed to act as an authority to those workers. A La Cart, Inc. has now opened 14 cafes in Westchester and Northern New Jersey. The bistros are housed within the corporate buildings, which works well for both the companies and their employees: workers don't have to leave the premises for a long lunch, and the cafes offer options that are inexpensive and preferable to take-out. "Our clients are discerning," Weisberg said. "They enjoy fine dining, and they will appreciate a sandwich with a gourmet touch." The menus change seasonally, and offer salads, soups, sandwiches, and other entrees. Though Weisberg hadn't expected culinary school to be a part of his career plans, he was no stranger to the kitchen prior to enrolling. He recalls that as a six-year-old, he and his father took recreational cooking classes together. And his family, with its Italian and Jewish roots, continues to bring people together around food. "Just about every other weekend, there seems to be some family gathering, a holiday or birthday to celebrate," Weisberg says.