Les Gourmets to celebrate 75 years of student-led tradition, talent and taste

For three quarters of a century, one spring night has transformed the classroom into a dining room and students into hospitality professionals.

Les Gourmets is the student-run fine dining experience hosted by The School of Hospitality Business. From the kitchen to the front of house, students run every detail. Photo courtesy of Layla Dagle

Les Gourmets, the student-run fine dining experience hosted by Michigan State University’s School of Hospitality Business, will celebrate its 75th anniversary on Apr. 11, 2026, at the Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center, continuing a tradition that has shaped generations of students and delighted hundreds of guests each year.

Founded in 1951, Les Gourmets hosted its first dinner in 1955 as a simple buffet and dance. Since then, the event has evolved into a polished, black-tie suggested reception and multi-course dinner that rivals professional restaurant service.

From the kitchen to the front of house, students run every detail.

They develop menus, manage budgets, market the event, coordinate vendors, design the guest experience and serve each course, all while balancing classes and coursework. Along the way, they gain something even more valuable than technical skills: confidence.

Guided by faculty mentors and guest chefs, students step into roles across the entire event, turning months of preparation into one memorable evening for parents, alumni and friends of the college. Photo courtesy of Layla Dagle

“I am most excited for Les Gourmets this year because it is the 75th anniversary,” said Layla Dagle, a hospitality business major and CEO of Les Gourmets. “This event has meant so much to Hospitality Business students for so long, and it’s such an honor to plan the event during such a landmark year. We can’t wait to show all of the hard work and dedication that goes into Les Gourmets year after year!”

Guided by faculty mentors and guest chefs, students step into roles across management, sales, purchasing, finance, culinary operations, bartending and service, turning months of preparation into one memorable evening for parents, alumni and friends of the college.

For many, it’s the moment their classroom knowledge clicks into place.

While the menus and themes change each year, the heart of Les Gourmets remains the same: students learning by doing and coming together to create something special. Photo courtesy of Layla Dagle.

To mark the milestone anniversary, the School of Hospitality Business partnered with the MSU Dairy Store to create a limited-edition flavor inspired by the celebration.

Les Gourmets Sweet 75 Brûlée Bash features cheesecake ice cream with cake pieces, graham cracker crumbs and a caramel swirl. The flavor will be available at the MSU Dairy Story through April while supplies last.

While the menus and themes change each year, the heart of Les Gourmets remains the same: students learning by doing and coming together to create something special.

Seventy-five years after its founding, the event continues to be a rite of passage for hospitality students and a beloved tradition for the Broad community.

Tickets to Les Gourmets can be purchased on their website.