Advancing the food and beverage industry with teaching, research, and engagement.

The Cornell Institute for Food and Beverage Management (CIFBM) connects students, faculty, alumni, and industry partners across the restaurant, foodservice, and beverage management spaces. CIFBM is aligned with the Nolan’s School focus on the hospitality industry, yet closely tied to the Business of Food interdisciplinary theme across the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business.


About the director

Alex Susskind

Alex Susskind

Director of the Cornell Institute for Food and Beverage Management

Alex Susskind’s research and industry connections position him for success as he leads CIFBM as its founding director. Susskind joined the Cornell Nolan School of Hotel Administration in 1998 and teaches undergraduate, graduate, and executive education courses. Among other active research projects, Susskind is examining how organizational technology is affecting the relationship between guests and service-based employees and managers, and how restaurant-provided nutrition information on menus, as required by the Affordable Care Act, is influencing guests’ food choices when they dine out at full-service restaurants.

Susskind is also the associate dean for academic affairs and a professor of food and beverage management in the operations, technology, and information management area.


COVID-19 insights and tools for the hospitality industry

The Cornell Nolan School of Hotel Administration has developed a collection of resources to equip all sectors of the hospitality industry with tools and guidance as its leaders continue to navigate the unprecedented impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.


Industry engagement

The Institute for Food and Beverage Management brings alumni and executives into the classroom, and in turn, provides insights, research, and talent back to the industry.

Corporate relations

Learn how CIFBM connects students, research, and industry—and how you can make a gift or tap into its resources

Get involved

Advisory Board

Consider becoming an advisory board member to help support CIFBM’s mission

Advisory Board

Business of Food

Explore Cornell’s resources and developments in the Business of Food interdisciplinary theme

Learn more

CIFBM Highlights


Members in the News

CIFBM Advisory Board members and their companies are often featured in the news as thought leaders in their fields. Here, at the Cornell Institute for Food and Beverage Management, we are proud to recognize their accomplishments. Please take a moment to learn about our featured member!

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Pennsylvania developer prepares to break ground on North Charleston retail center

Featuring CIFBM board member Taylor Hardy ’19, Vice President of Operations, Hardy World

Read more

Upcoming events

Join the Cornell Institute for Food and Beverage Management for upcoming events on campus, across the country, and in partnership with industry leaders.

No upcoming events. Check back soon.