Chef Michael Thrash is a seasoned culinary expert based in Seminole, FL, currently serving as the Corporate Executive Chef for GA Foods in St. Petersburg, FL. Michael’s culinary journey began in Rochester, NY, where he grew up in a large family of talented cooks, including his mother, whose exceptional skills inspired his passion for food at a young age. Driven by the realization that cooking could be a career, he entered the industry early, starting as a dishwasher and busboy. His enthusiasm and talent quickly grew, leading him to refine his skills through vocational Culinary Arts classes during high school. A graduate of Johnson & Wales University in Providence, RI, Michael earned a Bachelor of Applied Science in Culinary Arts. With over 23 years of experience spanning nine states, his career encompasses an impressive variety of roles in restaurants, fine dining establishments, luxury hotels, private country clubs, higher education, and corporate environments. Michael has worked with renowned organizations such as Simplot, GA Foods, Boston University (Aramark), Disney, Loews Hotels, Legal Sea Foods, and Hard Rock International. Adding to his extensive experience, he served as a Chef Instructor at the Art Institute of Tampa for seven years, sharing his knowledge and passion with aspiring chefs.
