Meet Our Talented Chefs
Philippe Gallichet Owner & Head Chef
Philippe was born and raised in the southern region of Brittany, France. His aspirations and dreams of becoming a chef led him to the United States, where he worked as an executive chef in Los Angeles. In 1994, the Northridge earthquake devastated California, creating an opportunity for change. This led to the creation of Cinema Catering in Wilmington, NC. Cultivating his unique set of skills and menus, he has worked on countless projects and trained many other chefs along the way.
Troy Caldwell Head Chef, North Carolina
Chef Troy Caldwell's story highlights both his passion for food and his dedication to mastering the culinary arts. Growing up in Fayetteville, North Carolina, with a mother who was an exceptional cook, he developed a deep appreciation for flavors from an early age. Rather than just enjoying food, Troy found himself thinking critically about the flavors and how he could improve them, even as a young boy. This curiosity and desire to learn pushed him toward a career in cooking.
By the age of 20, Troy's drive to cook professionally took hold, and he found himself drawn to the artistic side of culinary arts. His first job in a small restaurant led him to quickly rise through the ranks, becoming head chef within a few years. Troy’s commitment to learning and improving his skills didn’t stop there. He spent six years at a high-end Country Club, where he gained invaluable experience in various positions, which helped shape his well-rounded culinary knowledge. To formalize his expertise, he pursued and completed a Culinary degree at CFCC (Cape Fear Community College).
His journey reflects both his passion and determination to grow within the culinary world, and his story is a testament to the power of following one's instincts and nurturing a love for food.
Thomas Huston Head Chef, South Carolina
Thomas grew up in Peabody, Massachusetts, on the North Shore of Boston. His passion for culinary arts began early, inspired by helping his grandmother in the garden and watching cooking shows like Great Chefs on PBS. Thomas pursued his love for cooking by enrolling in a vocational culinary program in high school and later earning his degree from Johnson & Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island, in 1999. His career took him on internships and co-op programs from Key West, Florida, to Anchorage, Alaska, where he gained diverse culinary experience.
Mike Gallichet General Manager
Mike Gallichet’s story is a unique blend of culinary passion and the art of business management, all shaped by his upbringing in the film industry. Growing up alongside his father, Chef Philippe, Mike had a front-row seat to the world of set catering, learning the ins and outs of creating exceptional food for film and TV productions. With 13 years of hands-on experience working on set catering for features and TV series, Mike became deeply familiar with the fast-paced, demanding environment of the entertainment industry.
His career took a new direction when he began focusing on the business side of the industry, learning the ropes of managerial duties, contract negotiations, and the complex insurance requirements necessary to run a successful catering business. Mike's mother, Phyllis, played a key role in mentoring him through this transition, passing down her extensive knowledge and experience running Cinema Catering.
What sets Mike apart is his relentless attention to detail and his determination to provide an outstanding experience for every individual on set—whether it’s background talent or producers. This commitment to excellence has become the hallmark of Cinema Catering, a company that has built a reputation over the past 30 years for consistently delivering quality service. Mike’s journey reflects a deep commitment to both his craft and the business that supports it, ensuring that the legacy of Cinema Catering continues to thrive.