Today we’d like to introduce you to Chef Carlos Thomas.
 Chef Carlos, a Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania native, graduating in 2009 from Peabody High school. With both his high school diploma and a special skills certificate in Culinary Arts he has reached a point of no return. He begins to practice his craft at age 16, which is critical turning for any black man, which ultimately saved his life. After high school, “Chef Los” as he is commonly called, graduated from Le Cordon Bleu- Pittsburgh Institute of Culinary Arts in 2001, with an Associates Degree in Hospitality and Restaurant Management. Throughout his 27 years of life, Carlos has been an advocate for the arts and entrepreneurial skills amongst Pittsburgh youth, thus the birth of “Feed the Hood” and Confluence Catering. “Confluence” meaning (latin) to “come” or “flow” together, which also can be associated with Pittsburgh’s famous 3 rivers.
Chef Los attended Edinboro University where he studied Marketing and Business Management before transferring back home to Point Park University. Chef Los is now aiming to feed his entire city. As CEO and Chef of Confluence Catering LLC, “For profit or for free…”, he has been able to feed over 500 people and is slowly climbing the peak to solving hunger through the art of food. Chef Los has also been recognized as a BME award nominee, featured in the web-viral “Perception of Complexion” by EJ Brown, and as well as many other accolades.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
No, nothing great can be built with out barriers. Growing up in a predominately white city has been the biggest struggle. In this city, no is something you hear often and the positive reinforcement that your looking for to know your doing the “right thing” is scarce. Among many others learning how to take care of self (mind body and spirit) has been my biggest struggle but also my greatest success.
Please tell us about Confluence Catering.
Confluence, as I explained, means “to flow together” and that is exactly what the company’s goal is, to bring good food and good people together… from private dining to, large catering events we have become progressive in becoming the ‘jack of all trades’ concerning the ever-changing food industry.
The thing that sets Confluence Catering aside is that we have taken the initiative to give back to our communities. Out of Confluence Catering was birthed “Feed the Hood”, a program that encourages round table discussions between community members and local business, along with youth and entrepreneurial mentoring. Feed the hood is mostly known for popping up throughout the city and giving out food.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
There is honestly nothing I would change… there are good days and bad. It’s what you take away from it that matters and both good and bad days have. I’ve used those to empower everything I do through purpose and tenacity.
Pricing:
- Meal Prep offers staring at $15 per meal (shipping available)
- Private Chef Offers starting at $200.00 (plus applicable fees)
- Speaking engagements starting at $150.00 (plus applicable fees)
Contact Info:
- Website: www.instagram.com/confluencecatering
- Phone: 814.844.9635
- Email: justsaychef@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/confluencecatering
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/justsaychef/
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/justsaychef
Image Credit:
Ra Carrington (@raycarrington)
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