The Two Cooks Catering husband-and-wife team of Russell and Heather Thomas are now sole owners of the award-winning catering company.

Two Cooks, which celebrates its five-year anniversary this year, was formerly a joint venture between the Thomases and Ben Richardson. Richardson’s recent decision to pursue a teaching career in culinary arts at Cuesta College presented Russell and Heather Thomas with an opportunity to assume full ownership. The Thomases' purchased Richardson’s share of ownership for an undisclosed amount.

Following the change in ownership, Mr. Thomas will now assume the role of executive chef, overseeing all aspects of the kitchen and event management, while Mrs. Thomas will continue to run the company’s side business.

Mr. Thomas has 23 years of restaurant experience and a culinary degree from San Francisco City College and a bachelor's degree in recreation administration with an emphasis on event planning from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Mrs. Thomas has a bachelor’s degree in writing from the University of Redlands and a post-graduate degree in marketing from FIDM in Los Angeles.

This past summer, upon realization that Two Cooks had outgrown yet another rented kitchen, the Thomases, along with Duncan Palmer of Porter’s Gourmet on the Go, built out a 2,000-square-feet commercial kitchen in San Luis Obispo, Calif., giving Two Cooks a much-anticipated, permanent home.

“It’s exciting,” Heather Thomas said. “Especially given the state of the economy that we’re still a growing company. It’s wonderful to finally have our own permanent home, a place to meet clients. We couldn’t be happier with the direction the company is going.”

Owned by Heather Thomas, director of operations, and Russell Thomas, executive chef, Two Cooks Catering has specialized in global cuisine with a conscience for more than four years. Two Cooks uses local ingredients, including vegetables from county farmer’s, fish from Morro Bay and beef from Hearst Ranch. The core philosophy – to maintain a high level of quality in everything they do – is showcased in the seasonal dishes they create.

For more information, visit www.twocookscatering.com.