Our Roots

Our Story

Our story is not just about our love of food. It’s also about a family that is deeply passionate about serving wholesome food that nourishes the body and mind while nurturing the spirit.
Our story began in 1979 when Elmer and Gina Whitcomb purchased a pair of restaurants in Garden City, New York. Their vision was to start a business that would bring their family of eleven together, one that embodied the importance of family, food, and service to others. But what began as one man’s family dream has evolved into something greater than he could ever have imagined: an enterprise that brings communities together over shared meals and helps people in a very personal way.
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CEO MESSAGE

Uplifting. That is what a meal should be. Good for the body and mind, while nurturing to the spirit. At Whitsons, we understand this invisible, yet very real connection and how a meal means so much more than food on a plate.

Since my parents started the business in 1979, our story has been rooted in food, family, and service. These values are at the heart of our organization, the inspiration behind our culture, and the vision that lights our path forward.

Our foundation is set on strong family values, while our future remains focused on wholesome, real food. The unique structure of our family-operated business places a strong emphasis on teamwork and entrepreneurial spirit, which drives our company’s culture. It’s simply the Whitsons Way.

Throughout our website, you will witness our Whitsons Way culture in action and experience how we are committed to helping people to live healthier lives while being socially responsible and supporting diversity.

Please enjoy learning more about Whitsons and how we can help bring our mission of enhancing life one meal at a time™ to your community. We invite you to contact us with any questions about our programs or services. Together, we can make a difference in the lives that we touch.

In good health,
Paul Whitcomb
President and CEO

WHITSONS WAY

Our mission of Enhancing Life One Meal at a Time™ means more than just serving food; it’s about fostering a sense of community and hospitality in everything that we do. We’re dedicated to helping people live healthier lives through nourishing food, authentic relationships, and leaving this world a better place than we found it. It is this invisible spirit of service to others that makes our mission more than just words. 

At Whitsons, our culture is driven by our mission

LEADERSHIP TEAM

Whitsons Senior Leadership has the background, resources, and vision to drive our mission of Enhancing Life One Meal at a Time™. This diverse leadership comes with decades of combined expertise in business management and strategic planning, with proven and sustainable business models in expanding industries. The combination of Whitsons’ entrepreneurial spirit with the wealth of wisdom and guidance of our management team ensures that our clients’ services are taken to a higher level.

Daphne Dufresne

Chair of the board

Lloyd Trotter

Board member

Rishi Verma

Board member

Paul Whitcomb

Board Member, President & CEO

Beth Bunster

Chief financial officer

Kellyann Friend

Chief Operating officer – Contract Management

Paul Burnup

Chief Operating officer – Prepared Meals

Vincent “Ozzie” Orsillo

Senior Vice President of Growth & Strategy

Gregory Robbins

Senior Vice President & General Counsel

Michael Marinaro

Vice President of Supply Chain & Technology