The Beast Behind The Meal

A Clifton, New Jersey native, John Thomas utilizes his years of experience in the culinary world mixed with the passion and drive he’s grown for flavor and preparing meals that are rooted in comfort.

In my early years I was a normal Punk ass skateboarder drummer causing havoc around the around the areas but one thing was for sure was eating good food. I didnt grow up with a Nonna in the kitchen making gnocchi. I had a father who was a fireman and a mother in the dental field so food was very classic American vibes with some culture. But somehow I just wanted to experiment.

I was accepted to my goal culinary school Art Institute of NY. My parents asked me though if a quiz came up and I had a gig, what would I do… Rebel me wanted gigs. 1 month prior to first day and they cut the culinary program. Pissed off I said music it is. Did years of music while always working in restaurant whether bussing, serving or bartending.

I was 21 and my biggest band and I separated so I took a position as a cook in a new restaurant, Zinburger. Damn did I suck, man was I determined. Becoming a training manager, I ended up learning all recipes and opened idk 20 different locations til I was told by a manager I was training who was a Chef from reputable restaurants, you’re good at this. Then I had my first child

From there I worked my way through Jersey City, then Morristown, and all over. From country clubs to hotels, Fine restaurants to private jets. Then having my second kid in between.

Meeting my Fiance and her 2 boys in the high of it all was a massive game changer. So much to do and so much to learn. It showed me that I wanted to know more about my roots, and everyone else’s. Born from Mediterranean and Middle Eastern root’s combined the flavors around me of Asian, Latin, and South American…. the passion exploded!!

Fast forward to end of 2021, I was let go from a job on such random illogical reasoning, I called a buddy of mine fed up! He was catering and told me to start following him. I was so against this world. After my first dinner he gave me I knew this was it.

What started as just Private dinners turned into back yard BBQ and then weddings. I said lets turn it up and I started doing POP UPs at festivals.

Couple of celebrities, weddings, new articles, and CHOPPED later, I have grown into a company that people and my family can truly remember…