Mr. Fran Voigt and Mr. John Dranow founded New England Culinary Institute (NECI) in Montpelier, Vermont in 1980. Their vision was for a unique educational institution based on the medical school model of "learn-by-doing" training in real-life situations.
Chef Michel Leborgne, Maitre Cuisiner de France and NECI's vice president of culinary affairs, conducted the first class of seven students. Trained in the French apprenticeship model, Chef Michel's philosophy of hard work, dedication to one's craft, and "simple food cooked properly," continues to shape NECI today.
The school has grown from one campus to three - two in Vermont and one at H. Lavity Stoutt Community College in Tortola, BVI - from seven students to over 500 annually, from one academic program to seven, and from one restaurant to multiple food service outlets. In 2004 we were honored to receive the International Association of Culinary Professional's "Cooking School of the Year" award. Despite our growth and success, our dedication to small classes, personal attention, and upholding a standard of excellence in all that we do has never altered.