Dallas College

Student Experience: Marc Cassel and Suzan Fries

“We met while attending El Centro’s Food and Hospitality Institute over 20 years ago,” says Marc Cassel.

“I worked at several restaurants afterwards, including Baby Routh, The Mansion on Turtle Creek, Star Canyon and Azalea. I then served as executive chef at The Green Room. Suzan and I now run our seafood joint on Peavy Road. We like the creativity of the profession. Working with young people keeps us young. El Centro helped us develop a stronger work ethic and apply what we learned.” 

Marc Cassel began his culinary career after reading an article in 1988 about the chef apprenticeship program at El Centro.

“I always had wanted to be a chef,” he says. “Like a lot of other enthusiastic 'retreads,’ I was looking for a new career, and the program at El Centro was financially within my means compared to the debt of attending a private chef’s school.” 

He graduated from the El Centro chef apprenticeship program in 1991. Suzan and Mark have catered to the palates of Dallas diners for decades. Their cooking pedigree includes Baby Routh, The Mansion, Star Canyon, Dragonfly and a legendary nine-year run at The Green Room. 20 Feet Seafood Joint is located at 1160 Peavy Road in East Dallas, 972-707-7442.


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Ngoc Trinh

Ngoc Trinh

Research Product Development Chef PepsiCo Global Foods and Frito Lay North America
“The culinary program had a blend of professors, ranging from those with decades of experience in the industry to military backgrounds to science backgrounds. They had such a wealth of knowledge, which really translated for me into this deep knowledge for foods and flavors and science. If I had not pursued this education, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
Culinary and Pastry Arts

Pat Sykes

Director H&R Block Premium
“The on-the-job applications drew the positive attention of my boss and enhanced my performance in the workplace. The Management Program helped develop the skill sets necessary to lead and coach others.”
Business and Management
Tamera Nalls

Tamera Nalls

Real Estate Professional Keller Williams Urban Dallas/Keller Williams Luxury International
“The Dallas College Real Estate program prepared me for real-life work because the faculty are all industry professionals. They did not just talk; they all walked the walk.”
Real Estate
Josephine Maduagwu

Josephine Maduagwu

Real Estate Broker John Rob Real Estate Group
“As a student, being able to have access to professors who were knowledgeable and actually worked in the field was a rewarding experience in many ways. The opportunity to work alongside classmates and/or adjunct faculty was the best part of the Dallas College experience.”
Real Estate
Marc Cassel and Suzan Fries
Marc Cassel and Suzan Fries
Chefs/Proprietors, 20 Feet Seafood Joint
Culinary and Pastry Arts
School of Business, Hospitality and Global Trade
Updated September 10, 2026