Thomas Beres became director of the ASUCLA Food Services on July 1, after serving as assistant director of the division. Former director Cindy Bolton retired in June.
In his new role, Beres will continue to modernize food service operations. His top priorities include point-of-sale and inventory technology upgrades, introducing new food concepts to campus, working with Bruin Dine to ensure widespread access to food and expanding sustainability efforts by launching Reusables at Greenhouse.
“I am deeply passionate about food; it has been a central part of my life since I began working in restaurants at 16 years old,” Beres said. “Cooking has always been something I’ve loved, and I continue that tradition by preparing dinner for my family every evening. I’m truly excited about the opportunity to lead and bring meaningful, lasting improvements to the dining experience at UCLA, while making a positive impact on the campus community.”
Professional culinary roles he has filled include chef de cuisine at the Rockefeller Center’s Rainbow Room, high-level chef positions at Disney and Warner Bros. and general manager for Aramark in Southern California. He holds an associate degree from the Culinary Institute of America in New York and spent two years working abroad in France and Italy to learn classical European techniques.
