Piyavan Sukalakamala (she/her)
Professor College of Hospitality & Business Department of Hospitality Charlotte
Biography
Piyavan Sukalakamala, Ph.D., is the first Charlotte faculty member to receive Fulbright Specialist Scholar. Sukalakamala organized the first Johnson & Wales student representation at hospitality venues for The Masters and US Open golf tournaments, and created Study Abroad to Thailand. Sukalakamala has published research and served as a reviewer in many scholarly journals.
Education
PhD, Texas Tech University
Hospitality Administration
MS, Texas Tech University
Restaurant, Hotel and Institutional Management
B.I.D. (Bachelor of Interior Design), Texas Tech University
Interior Design
ServSafe Food Safety
National Restaurant Association
Johnson & Wales University
Alcohol Seller/Server Excellence Training Certification
Mecklenburg County ABC Board, NC
WSET Certified Educator
WSET Level 2
Faculty Excellence Award
Johnson & Wales University, Charlotte
1st place for the Faculty Idea Fair at the 2025 CMAA World Conference in Tampa, FL
CMAA
Faculty Advisor of the Year Award
Johnson & Wales University, Charlotte campus
Fulbright Scholar (Specialist Program)
Johnson & Wales University, Charlotte campus
Faculty Advisor of the Year Award
Johnson & Wales University, Charlotte campus
Teacher of the Year
Johnson & Wales University, Charlotte campus
Faculty Advisor of the Year Award
Johnson & Wales University, Charlotte campus
“WCCB Tasty Tuesday – Live Cooking Show.” Sukalakamala, P. (August 4, 2026)
https://www.wccbcharlotte.com/2026/08/04/tasty-tuesday-highlight-seasonal-flavors-with-tomato-puff-pastry/
“What’s The Difference Between Coffee Creamer And Half-And-Half?.” Sukalakamala, P. (July, 2026)
“What’s The Difference Between Coffee Pods And Coffee Grounds?.” Sukalakamala, P. (July, 2026)
“Charlotte reacts to new study showing Americans feel guilty about eating out.” Sukalakamala, P. (March 18, 2024)
https://www.qcnews.com/charlotte/2-of-3-americans-feel-guilty-for-eating-out-survey-finds/
“Why is hotel room service so hard to stomach?.” Sukalakamala, P. (March 4, 2024)
https://www.washingtonpost.com/travel/2024/03/04/hotel-room-service-waffles-trader-joes/
“Cooking at Noon.” Sukalakamala, P. (May 14, 2019)
“Cooking at Noon.” Sukalakamala, P. (October 2, 2018)
“Cooking at Noon.” Sukalakamala, P. (September 6, 2016)
“Cooking at Noon.” Sukalakamala, P. (November 18, 2014)
“Cooking at Noon.” Sukalakamala, P. (April 22, 2014)
“Cooking at Noon.” Sukalakamala, P. (April 1, 2014)
“Cooking at Noon.” Sukalakamala, P. (December 3, 2013)
“Cooking at Noon.” Sukalakamala, P. (May 7, 2013)
International Council on Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Education (ICHRIE)
Club Management Association of America
Sukalakamala, P. (September, 2013). An Exploratory Study of the Concession Preferences of Generation Y Consumers. (Journal Article).
Journal of Foodservice Business Research, Vol 16(No 4), 378-390.
Sukalakamala, P. (May 9, 2007). Customer Perceptions for Expectations and Acceptance of an Authentic Dining Experience in Thai Restaurants. (Journal Article).
Journal of Foodservice, 18(Issue 2), 69-75.
2026 CMAA World Conference, “From Classroom to Clubhouse,” CMAA, Aneheim, United States. (February, 2026).
2025 World Conference & Club Business Expo, “Advocacy for Club Management Careers,” Club Management Association of America, Tampa, FL, United States. (February 5, 2025).
2025 World Conference & Club Business Expo, “Partnership Development with Student Chapters-“Club Quest” Cross-Chapter Adventure,” Club Management Association of America, Tampa, FL, United States. (February 5, 2025).
The International Council on Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Education Annual Conference and Exposition, “Glocal approaches in product adaptation of multinational fast-food chains: A case study of McDonald’s international menu,” The International Council on Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Education, Providence, RI, United States. (2012).
The Annual Asia Pacific Council on Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Education Federation Conference, “The Consumer Perspective on Increased Availability of Gluten-Free Foods,” The Asia Pacific Council on Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Education Federation, Hong Kong, China. (June, 2011).
The International Council on Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Education Annual Conference and Exposition, “Generation Y Perspectives towards Stadium Food,” The International Council on Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Education, San Juan, PR. (July, 2010).
The 16th International Conference in Retailing and Services Sciences, “Factors influencing healthy food choices in restaurants: An US consumer perspective,” The European Institute of Retailing and Service Studies, Niagara Falls, Canada. (July, 2009).
The European Council on Hotel, Restaurant & Institutional Education Conference, “). Linking teaching, research, outreach, and the student experience through a food industry sponsored special event promotion,” The European Council on Hotel, Restaurant & Institutional Education, Leed, United Kingdom. (October, 2007).
The 11th Annual Graduate Education and Graduate Student Research in Hospitality and Tourism, “Marketing research for Thai frozen food: Reducing the risks and factors for launching new food product into the U.S. market,” The Graduate Education and Graduate Student Research in Hospitality and Tourism, Seattle, WA, United States. (January, 2006).
Expertise
food service management; private club management; sensory evaluation