Meet Tom & Lin Baumbach of Tom and Lin Catering in North Phoenix

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tom & Lin Baumbach.

Chef Tom Baumbach, Executive Chef-Owner of Tom and Lin Catering is a Phoenix native. He grew up working in his family’s business where his father taught him the art of small business and loyalty to being locally focused. As a chef, Tom has a commitment to the farmers of Arizona and the beautiful produce, meat, and grains the state has to offer.

His culinary journey began as a butcher at a local grocer. Desiring to know more about his craft, he enrolled at The Scottsdale Culinary Institute. During his schooling, Tom apprenticed under Chef Scott Tompkins of The Marco Polo Supper Club. Upon graduating Summa Cum Laude in the Le Cordon Bleu program, Tom began working at a large, gourmet catering company in Phoenix where he learned the art of catering. Here he brought his love for world cuisine, delicious flavors and attention to detail to his clients, both corporate & social. It was also during this time that he met & married Lin.

Lin has strong hospitality background, having worked in Banquets at the Phoenician Resort, along with various other restaurants in town. Together, they loved creating special events for family & friends. From first touch with the customers to the final execution of each event, Chef Tom developed a passion for catering events of all sizes and scales. In 2006, they began catering to non-profit companies and ministry events. In 2013, Tom and Lin Catering was born. Chef Tom loves creating intimate multi-course dinners as well as developing menus for parties of 1000 or more. Tom desires to use seasonal, local, organic produce, when available and enjoys developing relationships with Arizona farmers.

Has it been a smooth road?
I recently saw a line-graph of a Day In The Life As An Entrepreneur. It perfectly described our daily challenges:
1- I’m excited
2- Ugh! This is hard
3- It’s WORKING!
4- I messed up
5 Give up the good for the Great!
6- I think I’m going bankrupt
7- I’m good. I don’t know why I get so down on myself
8- I was wrong. I suck!
9- Wait a second…my life is great!

We have had to work hard to make a name for ourselves. There is no shortage of caterers in The Valley, but we have a unique perspective and that has helped to set us apart. The days are long, the struggle is real, the freedom to create something new and special is gorgeous!

We’d love to hear more about your business.
Our motto is “Taste the TLC” which many people know as Tender, Love, and Care. At TLC, we show attention to detail, from food to table. Our coordinators help clients hone in on a vision for an event, incorporate it into the menu and service style. At each event, we offer personalized service by staffing your event with attentive and welcoming employees. When you book with us, you will #TastetheTLC.

What were you like growing up?
Chef Tom was a rambunctious young lad. He thought rules were meant for breaking…unless it was on the baseball field! That spirit still carries through today with his food. He isn’t afraid to pair red wine with white meat, cheese with fish or any other “rule” you come across!

Contact Info:

• Website: tomandlincatering.com
• Phone: 602.690.4875
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/tastethetlc
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/TastetheTLC
• Twitter: twitter.com/TastetheTLC

Image Credit:
Minson Weddings, Sonshine Girls Photography, EOL Photography

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