Lead Consultant
Arlene Coco is a seasoned culinary consultant and food safety instructor based in Duluth, Minnesota. With over four decades of experience in the culinary industry, she helps restaurants and food businesses achieve success through strategic planning, menu development, and operational efficiency. Arlene's career began with a solid foundation in culinary arts, having studied at the Lee Barnes School of Cooking in New Orleans. She has held various leadership roles, including Director of Catering and Special Events at the University of Illinois Circle Campus and Corporate Catering Director at Faber Enterprises/Greyhound in Chicago.
Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to own and operate Prairie Kitchen Specialty Foods and Coco's Catering Company. A passionate advocate for local food initiatives, Arlene actively participates in the farm-to-table movement and works on projects such as Farm to School programs and nutrition revitalization in senior centers. She is also a certified food safety manager and instructor, providing essential training to food service professionals. Arlene's expertise extends to grant writing and strategic planning for health and education facilities, aiming to incorporate local foods into their menus. She offers technical culinary training, recipe development, and culinary instruction through community college venues and private classes. In addition to her consulting work, Arlene collaborates with TAP Series to offer online training courses in food safety, culinary skills, food product production, and catering operational consulting. Her dedication to enhancing food literacy and safety underscores her commitment to sustainable and responsible culinary practices. For more information, visit her LinkedIn profile.
Lead Consultant
With an impressive 46-year tenure in the restaurant industry, Tom Hanson has amassed a wealth of experience across many roles, including dishwasher, busser, cook, server, general manager, regional manager, and owner. For over 23 years, Tom has successfully owned and operated four restaurants, two retail locations, and a boutique hotel, managing a team of more than 300 employees. Tom's enduring success in the business is a testament to his exceptional ability to train and guide others. His passion for sharing knowledge and commitment to excellence has been the cornerstone of his career, ensuring his establishment's continued growth and success.
As a seasoned consultant, Tom leverages his extensive experience to help other restaurant owners and managers achieve their goals, providing invaluable insights and strategies for operational efficiency, team development, and customer satisfaction. Driven by a deep-seated dedication to the industry, Tom is committed to setting others up for success and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and excellence. Whether you look to maximize your restaurant's operations, enhance staff training, or elevate your customer experience, Tom Hanson is the expert you need to guide you on the path to success.