“I’ve spent the last 17 years working in the service industry and look forward to continuing to serve NWA with Fire and Lightning Catering and hope to help make your next event memorable. Because at the end of the day food is about sharing and making memories together. ” — Chef Thor Maher
Chef Thor Maher was fortunate enough in his career by the time he was 20 to be already helping run one of the busiest restaurants in Fayetteville. At Hugo’s he realized that he had found his calling — enjoying the fast-paced environments and unique obstacles that running a kitchen bring and creating seasonal menus that support local and sustainable purveyors.
At 21 years of age, he took over as Head Chef at Café Rue Orleans where he met his most influential mentor, Maudie Schmitt. He spent five incredible years at Café Rue Orleans representing our local community at such events as Art of Wine and Chef’s in the Garden.
Then Chef Thor moved on to Ella’s restaurant at the Inn at Carnal Hall. He served as Sous Chef briefly, then Executive Chef from 2014 to 2017. This afforded him the opportunity to explore different worldly cuisines and flavors while adding his own unique twist. During that period, he won Best Chef at Chefs in the Garden, 2016.
From 2017-2019 Chef Thor went back to Hugo’s this time as the Head Chef. Since, he has been providing custom dinners and venue catering.