Former Owner:
Emerald Food Brokerage & Premier Food
My Name is Russ Oberg and I worked with Andy for over 16 years. We all admired Andy's relationships with the distributors and end users both as a consulting Chef and sales person.
Andy's achievements far exceeded expectations. I would add that Andy cared about the community he lived in by holding Food Service training classes for the disadvantaged and the unemployed along with helping feed the homeless.
Regards,
Russ Oberg
Andy's achievements far exceeded expectations. I would add that Andy cared about the community he lived in by holding Food Service training classes for the disadvantaged and the unemployed along with helping feed the homeless.
Regards,
Russ Oberg
Kenco Food Service
“ Andy was our Executive Chef at Kenco Food Service and lead the way on all of our culinary menu developments. He won numerous National awards for menu ideation and created new and unique recipes which truly benefited our Northwest operator customers. His work with our key manufacturers like Tyson, Land O Lakes , Lamb Weston and Campbell’s helped us to gain significant new sales growth in the Pacific Northwest market. Andy also supported our Kenco Team which helped us to be recognized as the leading sales agency in the Northwest . His warm personality and touch is truly amazing as he understands what operators need to be successful “.
Doug Sanders
President Kenco Food Service
Doug Sanders
President Kenco Food Service
Food Services of America
I have known Andrew for over 35 years, first as a Restaurant Owner and Executive Chef. Andrew brought a fine Dining Restaurant to Bellevue with a concept and menu that was spectacular and well recognized by that community. Andrew continued his career as a Restaurant Consultant working with top restaurant groups that needed to change their vision or concept to be more successful. His advice and consultation helped multiple operators improve their bottom line. Moving forward in his career Andrew became an integral part of the Foodservice brokerage community. Again working with not only restaurant operators on their menus but also working with food distributors educating them on products, product presentations, and menu ideas. His knowledge, people skills and experience has made him a Leader in the food industry. Andrew can wear many hats and be a valuable asset no matter what part of the business he applies his skills.
Gordon R. Taylor
24-years Foodservices of America —Circle of Stars
11-years US Foods —Presidents Cup
Gordon R. Taylor
24-years Foodservices of America —Circle of Stars
11-years US Foods —Presidents Cup
ShoWare Center
When I was new to this community my kitchen wasn't ready yet but the grand opening date was set. Not only did Chef Andy open his kitchen to me, he helped me with my food designs without even trying to sale his product to me at the time, that wasn't his concern just my success. Now, every time Chef comes to see me, it's like having a mentor check up on you. I look forward to seeing him and he always seems to have a class for me. I am now one of those Chefs whose been working in the industry longer than most of my crew's been alive, but always seem to be learning something new from Chef Andy.
There are few numbers that I have for the kitchen emergency's, Chef Andy's number is one of them. I know he's a person that doesn't like to waste your/our time. For some reason, no matter what type of day I am having, a visit from Chef always seems to make it a positive one. I know he's a food representative but he's always been much more, for the knowledge that he always shares and all it's funny he's put himself in the column of the people that I don't want to disappoint.
Thank you Chef Andy
Rich Carlone
Executive Chef
ShoWare Center
There are few numbers that I have for the kitchen emergency's, Chef Andy's number is one of them. I know he's a person that doesn't like to waste your/our time. For some reason, no matter what type of day I am having, a visit from Chef always seems to make it a positive one. I know he's a food representative but he's always been much more, for the knowledge that he always shares and all it's funny he's put himself in the column of the people that I don't want to disappoint.
Thank you Chef Andy
Rich Carlone
Executive Chef
ShoWare Center
Nuflours
I have had the incredible privilege of working with Andy - he leveraged his breadth of industry experience and network to represent my company. Andy cares deeply about the companies he works with, small and large. He is relentless in pursuing opportunities, while maintaining open and supportive communications. He is refreshingly genuine, and puts his money where his mouth is, supporting small women and minority owned businesses.
Warmly,
Phebe Rossi
Warmly,
Phebe Rossi
La Mexicana Food
Andy and his team are second to none. They are incredibly networked within the food and beverage community across the Northwest, and more, they are able to make meaningful, personal connections with new clients and prospects in an instant. We had considered working with large national brokerages, however, Andy and his team were not only able to represent us more effectively in the market, but they did so with the same values, care and attention that I would have for my own business; it’s like having an extension of me or my team in the field.
Thanks Andy,
Andy Tonkin
Owner
La Mexican Food
Thanks Andy,
Andy Tonkin
Owner
La Mexican Food
WARM 106.9
Author/Speaker/Coach/ Radio Personality
Chef Andy is a CLASS act. Whatever he touches turns to gold. Not only is Chef Andy extremely talented, his attention to detail is prodigious. Andy is extremely generous and easy to work with. He treats people with dignity and respect. I have been fortunate to watch him work with homeless women getting back on their feet, teaching them marketable skills. They were amazed at his kindness and what they were able to accomplish through his direction. His Leadership, Communication style and Passion for his craft are exemplary.
Laurie Hardie
WARM 106.9
Laurie Hardie
WARM 106.9
Tyson Foods
To whom it may concern, I've had the privilege of Andy's acquaintance both personally and professionally for almost 20 years. In that time, I've witnessed his good character manifest in an extraordinary work ethic, creative talent, genuine humility, and a "wear it on your sleeve" transparency. You can trust Andy.
I'd pick him 1st Team All American every time. 'Nuff said.
David Seibert
National Account Executive
Tyson Foodservice
I'd pick him 1st Team All American every time. 'Nuff said.
David Seibert
National Account Executive
Tyson Foodservice
Seaboard Foods
My name is John Grudzien and I have been working in the Foodservice Industry for 40 years, the last 30 in Foodservice Sales. The other day Chef Andy Elf called me to let me know he was starting his own brokerage company. I am very excited for him and know he will be very successful. On thinking it through I am more excited for the Clients he will be representing. I have known Andy for 20 years, the first 10 of which we worked together at Kenco Foodservice. Because of his experience being an Executive Chef, he is a wizard with putting food together. He is great with presentations sharing his knowledge and cheerful humor added in. After being involved in many presentations with Andy, there is one skill he has above anyone I have worked with. He has always shown a skill to present a Client’s product in a menu application using the Operators on hand ingredients and with their equipment. He also always goes the extra mile by teaching the procedure of preparing the plate from start to patron’s table. In doing so he becomes a true partner with his Operator customers.
John Grudzien
Northwest Regional Manager
John Grudzien
Northwest Regional Manager
Jim Shea
Chef Andy, and to his many friends just plain Andy, is a man with great character, integrity, selflessness and kindness. It is an honor for me to be able to write a few words about him.
I have known Chef Andy for over 25 years. His skills are amazing and unique. He is an incredible Chef, one that loves to teach, to help others. I have seen him connect with customers. It is amazing, He builds trust because he listens and he provides them with ideas and products and guidance that help them to succeed.
He has worked in every area in the foodservice industry. Chef, Chef/Owner, Corporate Executive Chef for a Chain of Seafood restaurants (he has the best Crab Bisque recipe!) to Food Service Sales as an Account Executive, then to working as a Corporate and Regional Chef for Brokers and Manufacturers, where he worked with companies that will sound familiar - Tyson Foods, Lamb Weston, Cuizina. Many others.
Chef Andy now operates his own Food Service Brokerage, ChefAndyCo. With his own company, he continues to put others first. It is no surprise that over 25 companies now rely on him and his team to represent their products. He is a humble guy that just focuses on serving others.
It is an honor to share a bit regarding my friend Chef Andy. I have been in the Foodservice Industry, owning and operating restaurants, in foodservice sales and foodservice sales leadership, and Andy Elf is one of the best in our industry. Please feel free to contact me with any questions.
Jim Shea
I have known Chef Andy for over 25 years. His skills are amazing and unique. He is an incredible Chef, one that loves to teach, to help others. I have seen him connect with customers. It is amazing, He builds trust because he listens and he provides them with ideas and products and guidance that help them to succeed.
He has worked in every area in the foodservice industry. Chef, Chef/Owner, Corporate Executive Chef for a Chain of Seafood restaurants (he has the best Crab Bisque recipe!) to Food Service Sales as an Account Executive, then to working as a Corporate and Regional Chef for Brokers and Manufacturers, where he worked with companies that will sound familiar - Tyson Foods, Lamb Weston, Cuizina. Many others.
Chef Andy now operates his own Food Service Brokerage, ChefAndyCo. With his own company, he continues to put others first. It is no surprise that over 25 companies now rely on him and his team to represent their products. He is a humble guy that just focuses on serving others.
It is an honor to share a bit regarding my friend Chef Andy. I have been in the Foodservice Industry, owning and operating restaurants, in foodservice sales and foodservice sales leadership, and Andy Elf is one of the best in our industry. Please feel free to contact me with any questions.
Jim Shea
Shelly Britt
My name is Shelly Britt, and I have worked in the food industry for 35 years. I have worked with many talented people throughout the years, and I can truly say that Chef Andy is at the top of my list. I had the privilege of working along side with Chef for 4 years at Elite Associates brokerage. His position was to support our sales team with his many years of culinary experience and sales experience. His ability to put anyone at ease in any situation is amazing. When presenting to an audience, Chef brings creative ideas, and a big personality with enthusiasm and humor! This is truly a talented and big hearted guy!
Best regards,
Shelly Britt
Best regards,
Shelly Britt
Mr. Frank's Kitchen
My name is Lisa Postl Campbell and I am the Founder & CEO of Mr. Frank’s Kitchen, a company which produces high quality, clean” spice blends. I spent the first 6 years of business in retail, but pivoted into the service sector in early 2023. I had become increasingly disenchanted w/ the prevalent greed in retail from both the retailers and distributors and being I had spent most of my life in food and beverage, going back into service felt like coming home.
I genuinely didn’t know how true that statement would be until I was blessed to have been referred to Chef Andy by several other industry leaders. Chef “A” as I call him, has been in the industry for over 30 years and is truly a unicorn in the world of food and beverage. He takes an enormous amount of pride in the quality of the brands and products he represents and prefers to help those where his efforts can have the most impact - even if that means he has to work that much harder to ensure success for his client. To say he goes above and beyond for his brands is unequivocally an understatement.
Chef Andy’s impressive combination of skill, knowledge, and connections, along with his kindness and passion for doing right by both his clients as well as customers - is simply an integrity of caring and level of service that is exceedingly difficult to come by.
Chef Andy’s reputation in both personal and business absolutely proceeds him, and justly so. He treats you like family with love and respect, but is also not afraid to tell you where you need to make adjustments or offer his advice or expertise on strategy. He takes your brand’s success personally and you will look far and wide to find representation that remotely comes close to that of Chef Andy and the fantastic team he has behind him.
I very much look forward to a long and profitable relationship with someone I not only consider a friend, but family.
LISA POSTL CAMPBELL
Founder & CEO
I genuinely didn’t know how true that statement would be until I was blessed to have been referred to Chef Andy by several other industry leaders. Chef “A” as I call him, has been in the industry for over 30 years and is truly a unicorn in the world of food and beverage. He takes an enormous amount of pride in the quality of the brands and products he represents and prefers to help those where his efforts can have the most impact - even if that means he has to work that much harder to ensure success for his client. To say he goes above and beyond for his brands is unequivocally an understatement.
Chef Andy’s impressive combination of skill, knowledge, and connections, along with his kindness and passion for doing right by both his clients as well as customers - is simply an integrity of caring and level of service that is exceedingly difficult to come by.
Chef Andy’s reputation in both personal and business absolutely proceeds him, and justly so. He treats you like family with love and respect, but is also not afraid to tell you where you need to make adjustments or offer his advice or expertise on strategy. He takes your brand’s success personally and you will look far and wide to find representation that remotely comes close to that of Chef Andy and the fantastic team he has behind him.
I very much look forward to a long and profitable relationship with someone I not only consider a friend, but family.
LISA POSTL CAMPBELL
Founder & CEO