MERCEDES, Texas – Mercedes High School recently launched Tiger’s Bite Deli, a fresh addition to the cafeteria aimed at modernizing school dining, creating meaningful student engagement, and connecting classroom learning to real-world experience.
“Today’s students seek more variety, customization, and meals that feel relevant to their tastes,” said Martha Marquez, Child Nutrition Services director. “Tiger’s Bite was created to meet those expectations while keeping nutrition, quality, and student satisfaction at the forefront.”
Developed in partnership with Walker Quality Services and shaped by student feedback, the Tiger’s Bite concept includes a rotating menu of deli sandwiches, Asian-inspired stir-fry options, and a wing bar that featured five bold flavors, each designed to reflect student preferences, promote nutrition, and bring a café-style experience to campus.
“Our goal was to elevate the student dining experience by offering meals that are nutritious, modern, and engaging,” Marquez said. “Due to high demand, we even had to expand the wings into our regular serving lines to ensure all students could be served.”
What also made the Tiger’s Bite launch stand out was its collaboration with the Mercedes High School’s Culinary Arts program.
“We wanted our students to feel a sense of pride and connection to their cafeteria,” Marquez said. “By integrating Culinary Arts students into the launch, we not only enriched their learning, but also strengthened the bridge between academics and practical life skills, all within a supportive school environment.”
Under the guidance of Culinary Arts teacher Adriana Gonzalez, senior students who have earned their ServSafe IBC certification worked alongside Head Chef Moises Garay and district staff, receiving mentoring and learning new techniques in a high-paced environment.
“They got to see what it’s really like to run a food service operation,” Gonzalez said. “Everything from prep and cooking to cleanup and teamwork. They told me they’ve learned things I’ve taught them in class, but now they’re seeing those skills applied differently in the real world.”
The Tiger’s Bite pilot is currently being evaluated based on student feedback, participation levels, and operational feasibility. Early response from both students and staff has been overwhelmingly positive.
“This initiative is a perfect example of what happens when innovation, student voice, and career readiness come together,” said Superintendent Dr. Benjamin Clinton. “We are proud of our Child Nutrition and CTE teams for designing an experience that connects classroom learning to real-world practice—and for reimagining what school dining can look like for our students.”
A video recap capturing the Tiger’s Bite launch is available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJPpMkOJnzE