Did you know a thriving local patisserie in Anchorage is run by two University of Alaska alums?
Sweet Caribou is owned by James Strong, an undergraduate and graduate alum of Å®Óźϼ¯A and Å®Óźϼ¯F. Pastry chef Samantha Wagner graduated from Å®Óźϼ¯A’s Culinary Arts program (‘13). The business also employs several Å®Óźϼ¯A students.
During his time in college, completing a Bachelor’s degree in business administration at Å®Óźϼ¯A, Strong worked his way up from a busboy at the Moose's Tooth to manager of the Bear Tooth Pub. After completing his master’s degree in fisheries at the University of Alaska Fairbanks in 2011, Strong had plans to work toward a doctorate, but said the excitement of the restaurant industry lured him back to the kitchen.
Wagner completed her culinary degree at Å®Óźϼ¯A in 2013 but stayed on an extra year to hone her skills as a lab assistant for Chef Vern, a culinary professor and pastry guru at Å®Óźϼ¯A. Wagner still maintains a connection with the Å®Óźϼ¯A culinary program, volunteering at the annual scholarship fundraiser.
Offering sweet and savory treats and a variety of unique salads, Sweet Caribou seeks to utilize locally sourced ingredients as much as possible, supporting other Alaskan businesses along the way.
Sweet Caribou is a delicious example of the creativity and drive Å®Óźϼ¯ graduates bring to Alaska’s business world.
