At The Forefront Podcast – Dining with Thomas Cuisine

In this enlightening episode, host Tim Mallad sits down with Ke’o Velasquez, Corporate Director of Operations and Hospitality at Forefront Living, and Alison Patt, President and Chief Executive Officer of Thomas Cuisine. They delve into the recent partnership between the two organizations and the array of services offered by Thomas Cuisine. The discussion covers day-to-day dining, evolving residential preferences ranging from formal dining to pop-up experiences and offering a diverse selection of foods including ethnic cuisines. The guests also discuss the topics of aging and wellness and the pivotal role food plays in these aspects. Additionally, they share insights on accommodating diverse preferences within a senior living community while maintaining freshness and interest. Tune in to this very special episode to gain valuable insights into the dynamic world of hospitality and senior living.

About Ke’o Velasquez
In his role as Forefront Living’s (FL) Corporate Director of Operations and Hospitality, Ke’o focuses on teammate engagement and retention, resident satisfaction and continuously improving the quality of services provided to residents and patients. Prior to joining FL, he served as Executive Director of The Preston of Park Cities, a luxury senior living community in Dallas, Texas. Before transitioning to senior living, Ke’o worked as Executive Sous Chef for The Four Seasons Resort and Club in Irving, Texas. In this position, he oversaw all aspects of the extensive culinary program. Ke’o is passionate about multi-ethnic cuisine, nutritional therapy, restaurant design and management with the highest expectations of hospitality standards and was also featured on Food Network’s Best Young Chefs of America program. When not serving seniors, he enjoys traveling to his native Hawaii, camping with his son and working on projects around the house and cooking.   

About Alison Patt
Alison, President and Chief Executive Officer of Thomas Cuisine, joined the organization in October of 2020, and brought with her more than a decade of contract foodservice and hospitality experience, having served most recently as Group President of Continental Services, Detroit’s top independent contract dining management company. Alison has a proven background centered on developing high performing teams, driving meaningful growth, fostering enduring client relationships and demonstrating a strong commitment to servant leadership.

“I am honored and excited to lead Thomas Cuisine. This organization is positioned for growth as it delivers custom food service solutions at the intersection of food, service and wellness. I look forward to leading Thomas Cuisines’ incredible teams in continuing to design customized solutions and healthy menus for our clients in healthcare, senior dining and business and industry sectors. I embrace Thomas Cuisine’s commitment to improve the lives of others – one nutritious meal at a time.” – Alison Patt

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