Dreams Do Come True

Dreams DO come true, thanks to Sullivan U

Students enroll at Sullivan University knowing they will receive a wonderful education and dreaming of success.

Some, like Allison Hahn, achieve even more. Allison Hahn enrolled in Sullivan immediately after graduating from Somerset High School and was a culinary competition team member for the majority of her stay. “The third team I competed on had many new members, one of which was Chuck's roommate. In the process of working with him, I got to know Chuck. The rest is history.”

Two successful businesses

History now includes marriage to classmate Charles (Chuck) Sobieck, their son, and two highly successful businesses: 2Chefs Catering and The Doolin House, a bed and breakfast inn located in Somerset, Kentucky.

The Doolin House

“When I was living in Louisville, I worked for Marsha Burton (owner of The Inn at Woodhaven). I immediately fell in love with the whole idea,” Allison recalled. “Even though you are working very long days, 365 days per year, you get to live in a beautiful home, and do the job you love. Culinarians are destined for long hours anyway. Why not do what you love"

“My favorite part about owning Doolin House is the family life,” Chuck added. “We may work from 6 am until 11 pm nightly, but we can stop at 8 pm and put our son to bed. You don't normally get that luxury when both parents are chefs!”

It all began at Sullivan University

Their Sullivan education has been instrumental in the success they now enjoy. “We had awesome instructors,” Allison said. “The small classes really helped me a lot. I was 18, fresh out of high school, and the last thing on my mind was buckling down to study. Not only did I get my chops busted to get me in line, but the Chef Instructors went above and beyond to make sure I succeeded. And, I remember that Chef Hickey's lecture classes were so fascinating to me; I rarely looked down to take notes.”

Chuck added, “I think a formal culinary education braces you for the workforce with a good, basic understanding of cuisine…A basic knowledge and love for food can carry you a long way.”

A long way for the Sobrieks was back to Allison’s hometown in Somerset. While they renovated The Doolin House, 2Chefs Catering was born.

“Originally it was created to pay bills while the Doolin House was being remodeled. While Chuck worked on the construction of the house, I was going to cater whenever someone needed us,” Allison said.

They were needed a lot. 2Chefs Catering provided a service Somerset was lacking. With the influx of the medical and retirement communities and technology parks, there was a sudden a demand for cuisine. “We thought we would cater to supplement the bed and breakfast, but we do about five parties a week!” added Chuck.

Hard work pays off

“Don't assume you're a chef when you graduate. A chip on you shoulder of ‘I'm too good or too educated to do that job’ will only hold you back,” Allison said. “Take whatever work comes your way and learn from it. Trust me, I own two very successful businesses, and do more dishes than anyone who works for us. Do what it takes to get the job done. That attitude will take you far.”

Chuck added, “You will get out of your education what you put into it. Take advantage of everything Sullivan has to offer...Never turn down a chance to work a shift or volunteer for a job. It pays off in the long run.” For Allison and Chuck, their Sullivan education and hard work have certainly paid off!

The Sobiecks recently stopped by to tour the campus
and visit with Culinary Department Chair,
Chef Tom Hickey, CEC, CFE, CCE, CHE.