Key Ingredients

Food for Thought features a first class staff working together to provide clients with a quality event, no matter what size. We all strive to exceed your expectations each and every time we serve you.

Our perfectly-seasoned staff is expert at customizing your menu to your specifications for your special event. We’ll work within your budget to create a delicious menu and plan every detail, including connecting you with qualified, reputable event partners for flowers, valet services, photography, music and more. Our kitchen and service staff round out the flavor, promising to make your event the smart, tasteful affair you desire.

Robert J. Hufgard

Owner

Bob started young as an entrepreneur in his late teens. His early ventures include a white tablecloth restaurant, a high-end wine shop, and a gourmet specialty and prepared food store.

Having met Bonnie years earlier at Stouffer Restaurants, they re-connected in 1995 as Food for Thought was developing and the two quickly joined forces. Together they have guided Food for Thought through major expansions and grown into one of NEO’s largest off-premise caterers.

Many of Bob’s Food for Thought responsibilities involve day-to-day operations and general business matters. Another essential role is collaborating with Bonnie and the members of the management team on matters that ensure Food for Thought’s continued success. 

Bob was born and raised in Mentor, Ohio and now resides in Kirtland Hills along with his wife of 31 years, Dawn. His family includes three grown children, two sons-in-law and two grandchildren.

When not at Food for Thought or spending time with his family, Bob can be found working on home projects, working out or Scuba Diving; both for pleasure and as an instructor.

Dan bednar

director of operations and culinary

Dan Bednar has been cooking since he was a child. Dan and his brother used to record a weekly food show in their kitchen, Sloppy Sandwiches, and he never looked back. After attending Miami University, he pursed opportunities to work with people, gaining experience in both the kitchen and operational sides of hospitality. He has lived in many different states from Virginia to Georgia and gleaned inspiration through the diverse culture at every stop . Once he satisfied his need for travel, Dan returned home to northeast Ohio. He comes to Food for Thought with an enthusiasm for innovative, healthy and approachable food that is crafted with care and carries a story.

When Dan is not in the kitchen here or at home, he can be found adventuring through the metro parks or downtown Willoughby.

brenda hanna

office manager

It’s not uncommon that on a typical day our Office Manager, Brenda Hanna, comes in contact with more customers than anyone else in our company. We are delighted when this happens because your complete satisfaction is our primary goal and we know that, when you’re with Brenda, you’re in two of the best hands in the business.

Brenda recently celebrated her 16th anniversary with Food for Thought. Prior to her coming to Food for Thought, she honed her relationship skills as a business owner in the collectible art industry. She owned galleries in several locations, including downtown Cleveland.

Competently managing a busy and talented office staff, Brenda’s team successfully processes hundreds of orders every day. And hundreds of positive experiences.

Brenda’s guaranteed commitment to you:

• In every conversation you’ll hear a reassuring smile

• Focused attention to your specific requests

• You’ll feel like the most important customer of her day.

Don Geiger

Sous-chef

Don has been a part of Food for Thought team for many years, beginning his leadership journey here before moving into various companies, embracing culinary management roles while gaining experience and skills. Don returned to Food for Thought in early 2021, and has been an integral part of our success during a time of great unknowns. Don believes in Food for Thought’s approach in ensuring high quality food, with a thoughtful spin and always leading with a customer service mindset.
When Don is not helping the gears turn smoothly here, he is most assuredly spending time with his family in Madison; his wife, Amy, and their two daughters Amber, and Zoe. He may also be seen tending to his Sunflowers or wrestling a new shoe away from his dog (uh-oh..) but she’s still a good pup!

jennifer natale

director of special events

Jennifer was born and raised in Connecticut where fresh out of high school, she pursued her first career path as a cosmetologist. This was all she had wanted to do since she was a little girl. She got into the restaurant business part time while growing her client base…and the rest was history!
She has been in the food & beverage industry for over 30 years now! Starting off as a busser, she quickly fell in love with the restaurant business. From there she decided to learn everything she possibly could! There isn’t a position in the industry that she has not held, which gave her the knowledge and experience she needed to become a hotel food & beverage manager. That is where she discovered her passion for event planning.

Jennifer started off at Food for Thought as one of our Customer Service Representatives and now she gets to continue pursuing her passion as our Director of Special Events. Being able to assist our clients by creating memorable events brings her great a sense of joy and accomplishment.

In addition to being a mom to 3 terrific kids, Jennifer enjoys listening to music and spending as much time outdoors as she can, whether at the beach, hiking, or camping.

jason taylor

kitchen manager

Food for Thought is in its’ 32nd year and Jason has been a part of our family for 23 years.  Since then, he’s had his hand in every food prep station learning, tweaking and perfecting as he grew.  Jay was on board with growing the company which eventually led to a promotion to line cook and on to become a member of the management team.

Jason’s goal is to provide fresh ideas customized to the style and service our customers have come to enjoy and expect.  Jay does his best to create without limitations, providing colorful, flavorful and simple cuisine without skimping on variety.  It’s also not unusual to find him at the helm of the BBQ grill at many special events!

When Jay isn’t playing with food, he’s likely taking on another home remodeling project or shooting pool. 

Leslie lee

Logistics Coordinator

Many of you may already be familiar with Leslie from our customer service department, a delivery or a staffed event. Leslie has been a part of the Food for Thought Family for over 15 years. In 2017 she joined our management team as our Logistics Coordinator.

When she is not at Food for Thought, Leslie enjoys spending time with her friends and family, especially her three daughters.