Chefs David and Tonya Thomas are the husband-and-wife duo and co-executive chefs behind H3irloom Food Group, based in Baltimore, MD. With 25+ years each in the industry, the Thomases have operated a catering company and opened several restaurants, including the nationally recognized, award-winning Herb & Soul Gastro Café and Ida B’s Table.

In 2020, David and Tonya stepped away from their restaurants to establish H3irloom Food Group with long-time friends Floyd and Linda Taliaferro. Each playing to their strengths in the kitchen, David serves as the executive chef, and Tonya serves as the executive pastry chef, together known as the savory and sweet duo that brings their passion for soul food to the forefront. Today, the 100% Black-owned company’s portfolio includes ticketed dinner experiences, catering, pop-ups, sustainable farming initiatives, and the award-winning H3 product line, all working together to uplift the Black food narrative and provide a deeply personal approach to the Black food experience that’s rooted in history and culture.

Throughout both of their careers, the Thomases have remained consistent in their goal to reclaim the narrative and share the legacy around African American cooking and soul food traditions, while playing an active role in its evolution. Today, they continue to stay active outside of the kitchen, working with inspiring organizations such as the Muloma Heritage Center in St. Helena Island, SC and TasteWise Kids, an organization that offers food education to children to inspire a lifetime of healthy eating habits, in Maryland.