meet the chef

JOANNE THOMAS

As a child, I always had a passion for culinary. My mother was a great cook and I watched her very carefully, I would mimic what she did and as she left the kitchen, I would add seasonings to her dishes. I was that child that didn't ask for cookies or cakes when she would go to the grocery store, I'd ask for yeast to make my own homemade pastries at the age of 8 years old. My passion grew as I became older. As an adult, while in the Marine Corps, my room would be the one my friends came to for meals, not the chow hall. I would find any excuse to have a party just to have the opportunity to entertain and serve my guests.

"I didn't ask for cookies as a child, I asked for yeast...."

I went to college to complete my degrees in both Culinary Arts and Culinary Management. I have worked in all positions in the kitchen from a line cook to a corporate chef consultant, from restaurants to banquet halls to corporate food service suppliers. I started Serenity Catering in 2006 and provided services for various customers including a wedding of 300 people. I recently decided to take my business to the next level because I felt that there was more to this gift in me than what I was giving. One of my favorite quotes says, "A gift opens doors for the one who gives it and brings him into the presence of great people". I have been blessed with the gift of hospitality and I enjoy, no I LOVE making people feel comfortable and putting a smile on their face with food. Hospitality is not just a job for me, it's my purpose!

Serenity Catering, now known as Chef Joanne Thomas, provides a variety of services from small pastries to full-sized catered events for birthdays, graduations, weddings, and many other celebrations. I am passionate about what I do and put my heart and soul in every dish that I create. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you!