Bear Tooth general manager accepts Outstanding Partner Award from Academy of Anchorage

Mandy, general manager of the Bear Tooth Theatre Pub and Grill, accepted the Academy of Anchorage’s Outstanding Partner Award and said the business partners with schools to create hands-on career opportunities for students.

Amy Habersted, an academy coach at South Anchorage High School, opened the program by saying the academies work with local businesses to give students "a more realistic understanding of what the work world looks like in the state of Alaska." The recognition highlighted one local employer’s role in that effort.

Mandy told attendees the Bear Tooth participates in community events, fundraisers and career expos: "We really love giving back to our community and participating where we can," she said. She described conversations the restaurant has with students about both short-term jobs and longer-term career paths: "we really just want them to understand that there are paths for them in the industry if they have a curiosity," she said, noting that entry-level roles can lead to salaried positions and management.

She listed tangible benefits available in restaurant careers, saying workers can have "health insurance and benefits and contribute to a 401k and have a salary position and be a manager," and framed the Bear Tooth as an employer that wants to offer sustainable, long-term opportunities for people who choose to live and work in Alaska.

Mandy said the organization accepts the award on behalf of the Academy of Anchorage and reiterated its commitment to continued involvement with schools. Amy Habersted praised students’ enthusiasm and the value of school–business partnerships, saying she is "continually impressed by how hard [students] work and how much they want to know."

The presentation concluded without any formal action items; speakers described the award as recognition of existing partnership activities and outreach rather than the start of a new program.