Bacardi Center of Excellence

Key pillars

The Bacardi Center of Excellence at FIU’s Chaplin School is the model for public private partnership and entrepreneurial education and will become the most expansive beverage management program in the country. The programs key pillars include:

• Bacardi Spirits Management major

  The Spirits Management major consists of four main spirit management courses in addition to the other requirements of the Bachelor’s degree program that will prepare learners for fulfilling careers in spirits and beverage management. Two additional electives are recommended.

• Bacardi Innovation Fund

  The Bacardi Innovation Fund identifies industry challenges and generates real-world solutions. Each academic year, the Bacardi Center of Excellence in conjunction with industry partners, researches and recognizes a relevant industry challenge and engages the FIU community to creative innovative solutions. The Innovation Fund seeks out industry mentors and partnerships, plus utilizes cutting-edge technology to collaborate and create solutions for the future.

• Scholarships

  The Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management offers students seeking careers in the beverage industry or food and beverage segments and students in need financial support to fulfill educational opportunities. Scholarships of $2,000 are available for students identified as potential future leaders of the beverage industry. Apply today.

• Bacardi Fellows & Scholars

  The Bacardi Center of Excellence invites high achievers in the beverage industry to FIU as fellows and scholars to share their knowledge and passion with our learners, and to foster scholarly recourse to better the beverage world.

• Bartenders Guild

  

  The Bartenders Guild at FIU is a student-run organization that was founded in February of 2020. These students share a passion, curiosity, and camaraderie for the art and concepts of mixology, craft cocktails, and fine spirits. This student-run organization is a pillar of the Bacardi Center of Excellence at the Chaplin School at FIU.

  Read: "Cheers all around: 21st annual South Beach Wine & Food Festival® is a wrap!"
  Bartenders Guild on Instagram

  Bartenders Guild in the News
  FIU Students Win People Choice Awards at the Art of Tiki Event
  FIU Students' Mixed Drink 'The Sunblazer' Wins Award At South Beach Wine & Food Festival Competition
  FIU Bartender’s Guild crowned people’s champ at SOBEWFF® Art of Tiki Showdown

Courses

• HFT 3861 - Spirit Fundamentals

  Provides a comprehensive review of the beverage industry including the history of alcohol, the development of the beverage industry in the U.S. and a review of beverages with an emphasis on Spirits.
  Required

• HFT 3613 - Beverage Management Law

  An introduction course into alcoholic beverage law. The learner will be introduced to the fundamental laws, rules and regulations applicable to the alcoholic beverage industry in the State of Florida, key national and international markets. The learner is familiarized to methods of enforcement of laws, rules and regulations; the principles that control licensing and permitting within the industry; and municipal code violation enforcement.
  Required

• HFT 3874 - Dynamics of Bar Operations

  The course is a complex analysis of modern bar operations. The learners will gain advanced knowledge of bar layout/design, equipment selection, and modern service technology, point of sales systems, people development, guest relations and service delivery. Teamwork, project management, oral and written communications, planning and executing, talent development, guest service, modern marketing and financial operational management. Completion of a bar operational driven project that will teach the learners essential organizational, communication, problem-solving, critical thinking, and interpersonal skills.
  Required

• HFT 4064 - Beverage Entrepreneurship (BEVpreneur)

  The learner will evaluate and analyze beverage business models. Apply written and financial skills to create and analyze a strategic business plan. The learner will gain advanced knowledge of business writing, financial modeling, leadership methods, presentation skills, negotiation methods, laws, regulations, and legal concepts that govern the beverage industry, licensing compliance, and responsibility.

  Completion of a beverage ‘start-up’ strategic growth plan that will teach learners essential organizational, business modeling, financial structuring, distribution channels, communication, problem-solving, critical thinking, and interpersonal skills.
  Required

• HFT 3065 - The Art & Science of Fine Spirits

  This course is designed to familiarize the learners with the global spirit production, regional cultures, tasting techniques, identifying aroma/taste profiles, three-tier distribution system, basic beverage laws, regulations, and responsible practices of distilled spirits.
  Elective

• HFT 3811 - Beverage Marketing & Distribution

  This course will explore the complex world of beverage sales, marketing and distribution, including brand management, legal issues, and the roles of producers, importers, wholesalers, retailers, duty-free and hospitality outlets. The learner will identify and analyze the key industry segments, targeting, and positioning of the alcoholic beverage industry with emphasis on the suppliers, retailers, duty-free segment, and on-premise accounts to understand product assortment and pricing models.
  Elective