SternoCandleLamp Announces New Communications Manager and Executive Chef

CORONA, Calif. - June 18, 2013 - PRLog -- SternoCandleLamp, the recognized leader of portable food warming and creative lighting solutions for the foodservice industry, is proud to announce the addition of Thad Smith, serving as the company communications manager and executive chef. Leveraging his culinary and marketing expertise, Thad is responsible for helping chefs, caterers, restaurateurs, event planners and other foodservice professionals gain greater control over costs, food quality and décor. He is also responsible for maximizing SternoCandleLamp’s brand exposure.

“Thad brings a powerful combination of both culinary and marketing experience to this position,” said Mike Pacharis, vice president of marketing, SternoCandleLamp. “His unique background, combined with his professionalism and leadership skills, will aid SternoCandleLamp in bringing to market new products and services that help foodservice industry professionals deliver exceptional results to their guests.”

Prior to joining SternoCandleLamp, Thad served as a business development director for The Sterno Group where he developed new business opportunities with food management companies, high volume restaurants, catering operations, independent caterers, and disaster relief agencies. In this position, Thad’ also developed, field-tested and launched new product offerings in collaboration with marketing, operations, and R&D. His first corporate position was with Kronos Foods where he developed proprietary recipes and culinary training and product reviews for customers, brokers and Kronos sales representatives.

A graduate and recipient of the Grand Diploma at the French Culinary Institute, Thad has worked at world-renowned New York City restaurants such as Les Celebrites, Cafe Botanica, Match Uptown, and Match Downtown. In 1999, he joined Chef Keith Coughenour at the nationally ranked Duquesne Club. In 2000, he joined the Chicago-based Epicurean Experience and worked as the Executive Sous Chef for International events at the French Consulate General.