KaTom Hosts Culinary Students From the University of Tennessee
KaTom President and CEO Patricia Bible talks with University of Tennessee culinary students about what it's like to build a small business into a company that is helping to lead its industry.
Fifteen students from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s culinary program visited KaTom Restaurant Supply on Tuesday, Sept. 30, to get a behind-the-scenes look at how distribution works in the foodservice equipment and supplies industry.
KaTom President and CEO Patricia Bible gave a presentation on the company and what it means to start small and push through to create something magical. The students also toured KaTom’s facility in Kodak, Tennessee, learned about the similarities between the distribution and foodservice industries and baked cookies with KaTom staff.
The visit was part of a growing relationship between KaTom and the University of Tennessee’s culinary department. The school and the Smoky Mountain chapter of the American Culinary Federation are hosting an event on March 22, 2026, that will feature Bible as the guest of honor. Proceeds from the dinner and reception will help offset the tuition cost for University of Tennessee culinary students.