At GA Foods, we pride ourselves on not only providing delicious, nutritious meals but also on the exceptional talent within our culinary team. Leading the way is Chef Michael Thrash, a Corporate Executive Chef whose extensive career and dedication to volunteerism make him a standout leader in the culinary world.

As the Corporate Executive Chef for GA Foods in St. Petersburg, FL, Chef Michael brings his wealth of knowledge and experience to the forefront. His focus on creating nutritious, delicious meals ensures that our customers receive food that not only meets dietary needs but also delights the palate. Chef Michael strives to make every meal he creates a memorable experience, emphasizing the importance of using high-quality ingredients and innovative cooking techniques. His culinary vision aligns with GA Foods’ mission to provide meals that are nourishing, satisfying and health-conscious, catering to a diverse clientele.

A Culinary Journey Rooted in Family

Chef Michael’s culinary story began in Rochester, NY, where he grew up in a large family of great cooks, with his mother being his greatest inspiration. It was in this vibrant kitchen atmosphere that he discovered his passion for food, realizing at an early age that cooking was his calling. His early exposure to the art of cooking set him on a path to a fulfilling culinary career.

After starting as a dishwasher and busboy, Chef Michael quickly confirmed his love for the industry. His journey continued through vocational Culinary Arts classes during high school, where he began honing his skills and igniting a lifelong passion for the culinary arts, leading him to Johnson and Wales University where he earned a Bachelor of Applied Science in Culinary Arts. The extensive education and training he has acquired in the culinary field over the years, in collaboration with various institutions and organizations, include a variety of certifications that have enriched his distinctive practice.

A Distinguished Culinary Career

Chef Michael’s culinary journey spans more than 23 years and has been marked by numerous prestigious certifications and awards, making him stand out as a true leader in the culinary world. He earned the title of Certified Master Chef through the World Association of Chefs Societies in 2021, highlighting his commitment to excellence. His expertise is further underscored by multiple certifications from the American Culinary Federation (ACF), including Certified Executive Chef, Certified Culinary Educator, and Certified Culinary Administrator.

Chef Michael’s innovative approach has garnered him recognition, including the ACF Tampa Bay George Pastor Chapter Achievement Award and the Cutting-Edge Award in 2024. A National winner of the ACF Dr. L.J. Minor Chef Professionalism Award in 2022, he has also been honored as an inductee into the esteemed Brillat Savarin Academy and the American Academy of Chefs. As a member of the ACF Culinary Olympic Team USA from 2016 to 2020, Chef Michael showcased his skills on an international stage.

His career background during this time spans a diverse array of experiences across nine states. His professional path is marked by impressive roles, including:

• Corporate Executive Chef at GA Foods: Currently overseeing all culinary operations, leading a scalable, high-volume food service company, ensuring the delivery of top-quality meals.
• Corporate Executive Chef at Simplot: Here, he developed innovative recipes and presented new product concepts at regional and national food shows, showcasing his culinary expertise.
• Adjunct Chef Instructor at The Art Institute of Tampa: For seven years, Chef Michael shared his knowledge by designing and facilitating culinary courses, mentoring aspiring chefs.
• Executive Chef at Boston University/Aramark: He directed operations for a 68-million-dollar account, managing several dining facilities while driving significant increases in guest counts and keeping food product costs low.

Throughout his career, Chef Michael has cultivated high-functioning teams and built strong relationships with vendors, suppliers, and communities. His core competencies in menu development, operations management, and culinary arts position him as a leader in the industry.

A Lifelong Dedication to Paying it Forward

Chef Michael’s commitment to service extends far beyond the kitchen. For over 20 years, he has been actively engaged in volunteerism, inspired by the mentors and coaches who guided him in his early career. His volunteer work includes significant contributions to:

• A Kid’s Place Tampa: Here, Chef Michael engages with children aged 0-18 who have been removed from their homes and placed in a residential facility. He teaches them about nutrition through gardening, harvesting fresh produce, and cooking healthy meals together, creating lasting memories and instilling the importance of hard work and a healthy diet.
• World Chefs Without Borders: Chef Michael travels to regions impacted by natural disasters to provide hot meals to underserved communities. He takes part in fundraising galas, where donations are used to buy food and toys for children in orphanages. During his volunteer work in each area, he is able to personally deliver these items to those in need.
• Clearwater Soup Kitchen: Here, Chef Michael helps to coordinate food and hygiene product donations through GA Foods and other local donors, ensuring that those in need receive essential supplies.
• Training Young Culinarians in Barbados: Chef Michael dedicates his time to training young chefs for the World Skills Competition, reflecting his commitment to fostering the next generation of culinary talent. During a recent visit to Barbados, he coached a participant who achieved the Highest-Ranking Competitor and Best of Nations Awards at this year’s World Skills Competition in Lyon, France.

Looking Ahead: Inspiring Change Through Culinary Excellence

Under Chef Michael’s leadership, GA Foods is poised for continued culinary excellence. With plans to introduce new and exciting dishes, he is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of flavor while maintaining a focus on nutrition and sustainability.

Chef Michael embodies the values that GA Foods stands for: nourishing those in need and delivering assistance where and when it is needed. His leadership not only ensures that our meals provide valuable nutrition to our customers but also inspires others to give back and make a difference.

As we continue to innovate and elevate our offerings at GA Foods, we are proud to have Chef Michael at the helm. His blend of culinary expertise and community service is a testament to the positive impact one individual can have.

Join us in celebrating Chef Michael and the incredible work he does. Stay tuned for more stories from our culinary team and remember: every meal at GA Foods is crafted with care, compassion, and a commitment to making the world a better, healthier, place. Bon appétit!