Celebrating Our Culinary Roots
Since 1986, we have advocated for a better way to do foodservice. Our roots as a family-owned business and our deep service culture drive everything we do. We like to say we are small enough to care, but large enough to serve with excellence.
Our founder’s story
Our Rich History of REAL Food
Thad Thomas had a vision of a culinary service company that put people and partnerships first. He founded Thomas Cuisine in 1986 from humble beginnings in his garage. Originally focused on scratch-cooking over frozen meals, Thad’s personal health journey in 2010 marked a pivotal moment. By turning to food to improve his well-being, our mission grew into a commitment to delivering naturally-sourced, nourishing, and thoughtfully prepared REAL food. Today, inspired by Thad’s journey, we are proud to carry forward his vision by changing the world, one meal at a time.
1986
Thad Thomas launches a foodservice company with a commitment to scratch-cooking and quality ingredients.
2010
Spurred by Thad Thomas’ own health journey, our company’s mission evolves to REAL food.
2016
Thomas Cuisine initiates the “no-fly list” to remove preservatives and additives from our kitchens.
2023
Thomas Cuisine launches the Cultivate Teaching Kitchen program to promote nutritious cooking.
2024
Thomas Cuisine partners with Central Montana Beef for direct sourcing to support our REAL food mission.
Our core values
What We Stand For
Our leadership team
The Passion Behind the Plates
Meet the team leading our mission of REAL food and genuine service, and how they live it every day.
Alison Patt
With a background in luxury hospitality and food management, Alison joined Thomas Cuisine in 2020 as President and CEO. Her own personal experience with REAL food first drew her to Thomas Cuisine. After her son was diagnosed with nonverbal autism, he made tremendous progress through the power of whole foods. Fueled by her passion, Alison drives the company forward to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others, with nourishing ingredients and personalized service.
Nick Krieger
Nick, our Chief Financial Officer, brings a wealth of experience and passion to Thomas Cuisine. Joining our team in December 2021, Nick has been instrumental in driving our mission of REAL food to our partners and communities. As a devoted dad to two boys, he has seen firsthand the impact nutrition makes. With a diverse career spanning manufacturing, retail, and contract food management, Nick’s expertise ensures that we not only meet but exceed our financial goals while staying true to our core values.
Heather Krentler
Heather, our Chief People Officer, has over 18 years of experience in organizational design and HR. She’s dedicated to building cohesive teams, nurturing emerging leaders, and guiding a hiring process that embraces our core value of humility. Personally, Heather’s journey with REAL food has been transformative. After experiencing challenges on the path to motherhood, she made a change by adding healthy fats into her diet. Her daughter, Nora, was born soon after. She believes food has the power to nourish both individual bodies and our shared planet.
Lynn Daily
With extensive experience in healthcare and foodservice management, Lynn has been an integral part of Thomas Cuisine since 2010. Currently serving as the Senior Vice President of Operations, she shapes the company’s operational direction and helps foster our culture and long-term success. She especially resonates with our commitment to intentional service and REAL food. As a registered dietitian, Lynn has witnessed firsthand the healing power of nutrition in improving overall health and vitality.
Greg Malmen
Greg Malmen is our VP of Information Technology, with over 22 years of experience in the field. His journey with Thomas Cuisine began 12 years ago, after he connected with our genuine culture and people. In his role, Greg spearheads the management of enterprise IT services and customer-facing technologies, crucial for supporting our operators, driving growth, and executing our business strategy. Through his personal journey with REAL food, Greg has experienced better energy, focus, and overall well-being.
Liz Oba
Liz Oba is our REAL Food Mission Ambassador, bringing expertise as a registered dietitian, former collegiate athlete, and skilled culinarian. Since joining Thomas Cuisine in 2017, she has championed scratch-made, nutrient-dense meals and the belief in food as medicine—a passion reinforced during her time as Food Service Director at the Eating Recovery Center in Denver. In her role, Liz strengthens REAL food standards across sourcing, menus, and operations, ensuring every meal reflects our mission. She also advocates for healthier, more sustainable food choices, furthering Thomas Cuisine’s impact on the foodservice industry.