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We’re Pro’s, and we’re here to Help

Ted and Marie Giouzelis, Founders

Ted and Marie Giouzelis have had the entrepreneurial spirit from an early age. As newlyweds in their 20s, they owned a successful produce market in San Francisco and a popular Hofbrau restaurant, Nob Hill Chicken & Ribs, in the heart of Union Square. Deciding to raise their family on the Peninsula, they moved to Belmont and renamed the restaurant Mr. Hofbrau. Almost immediately, they began receiving requests to prepare meals for schools.

After several years of operating Mr. Hofbrau—and with the demand for school lunches and private catering steadily increasing—Ted and Marie decided to focus on Nob Hill Catering, Inc. exclusively.

Ted and Marie have owned Nob Hill Catering, Inc. for nearly 30 years and The LunchMaster for nearly 20.

With their premier food service experience, it’s no wonder thatThe LunchMaster is the #1 choice for school meals.

Felicia Giouzelis

Ted and Marie’s daughter Felicia joined The LunchMaster during college. As Food Service Director at Nob Hill Catering, Felicia wears several hats. She works with corporate and private catering clients, manages sales and marketing operations, and oversees our relationships with the schools.

Felicia has introduced great new ideas at The LunchMaster. She implemented a discount program that offers special pricing to schools hosting catered events. In March 2010, she planned and executed the first annual “Night with The LunchMaster!”—which attracted school administrators, parents, and students. Sponsored by The LunchMaster and Kids’ Culinary Adventures, this fun and informative evening was emceed by Nurse Rona Renner of the 98.1 FM “Childhood Matters” show.

Mike Giouzelis

Ted and Marie’s son Mike joined the team after graduating from high school and is an integral part of The LunchMaster program. Mike began as Warehouse Manager and has worked his way up to being Chief Operating Officer. He is responsible for the LunchMaster Meals, from raw ingredients to when it arrives at the schools.

Mike has a family of his own, wife Stephanie and son Teddy and one on the way. He’s a favorite at every school he visits and is affectionately referred to as “Mr. Mike” by students and school administrators.

Melissa Manning, Registered Dietitian

Our staff dietitian Melissa Manning specializes in child nutrition. The mother of two, she particularly enjoys making food healthy and fun. For example, in The LunchMaster menus, Melissa makes good use of nutrient-rich, dark-green romaine lettuce. And kids are unaware that her delicious marinara sauce actually qualifies as a vegetable. She believes that if foods like fruit are easy to eat, kids will love them. That’s why our menus feature fresh-cut apples and oranges instead of whole fruit, which can be difficult for small children to manage.

Melissa has analyzed and evaluated the menus of more than 60 school districts as part of her work with California state nutrition auditors. She now brings her extensive experience to creating appealing, nutritious meals for The LunchMaster program.

Melissa has been a proud member of The LunchMaster team since 2006.

Joe Knipp

Joe Knipp is a peninsula local that prides himself on using character, discipline, and integrity on a daily basis in a team environment. Joe’s graduation from Bellarmine College Prep provided him with the determination to graduate from the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD where he received a bachelor of science in general engineering. Upon graduation, he was commissioned as an officer in the United States Navy where he devoted six years of service.

Upon completion of his time in the United States Navy he transitioned into the competitive environment of sales where he thrives on working with a team to bring customers impeccable service paired with a superior product. His background of leadership, management, sales, and positive belief system along with The LunchMaster’s flawless reputation for providing high quality, highly nutritious meals that kids actually eat and enjoy will operate as the beacon he uses to guide his clients though the purchasing process.

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