Known as the ‘createrer’ thanks to his creative catering concepts, Tom has 40 years’ experience in the hospitality industry. He is the world’s most unique caterer, he can deliver unforgettable culinary experiences in any venue in the world, from outdoor picnics to three-star Michelin experiences, from two to ‘too many’.
12 Day Incentive through Budspest, Moscow and St Petersburg. Tom plays Host, MC and F&B Createrer
The Event: a celebration for a major international organisation took place across four consecutive nights, with 500 guests attending each night.
When a successful sales organisation plans their end of year staff celebration, they want their staff to feel that the organisation holds them in high esteem and values their contribution.
Grand Opening of the Phase 3 White Liner Facility at Visy Pulp & Paper in Tumut, NSW
Amazon Web Services treated over 4,000 of their IT workers to a conference and cocktail party at Sydney’s Playbill Venues.
Tom Rutherford was contracted as CEO of Bayleaf Catering where he was responsible for overhauling the direction of the company from the bottom up to become a company that would be responsive to the new competitive and dynamic catering landscape.
Working with the NSW Government, Tom Rutherford was engaged to deliver world-class food and beverage at the BOAO Forum for Asia (BFA).
To inspire the new direction for Sydney’s five-bay area, Urban Growth NSW engaged 80 global town planning experts and 300 local residents’ locals over a three-day period to engage in forums and open house consultations.
Three events, across three different continents – Tom Rutherford worked with event producers, George P Johnson to create a culinary extravaganza to celebrate the launch of VISA’s new banking software.
Since 2007, Tom Rutherford has transformed the way food and beverage is delivered at the biannual Toyota Dealer Conferences, creating spectacular celebrations at each touch point, from à la carte dinner menus to bespoke delights that tie into the key selling points of each vehicle on show.
“Tom has been working with Visy and the Pratt family on private and corporate events, large and small, for 20 years. He understands our desired outcomes and makes things easy and cost effective, solves problems quickly, and delivers meaningful and memorable experiences for our clients and VIP guests. Whether it be a dinner with Nigella or a corporate suite at a Dame Edna Everage show, he consistently delivers for us. He knows how to speak the language of food and beverage when dealing with caterers, restaurants and other venues in a way that we don’t, which is invaluable in keeping expectations and the budget in mind.”
Lisa Sampson, Assistant to Anthony Pratt, Executive Chairman, Visy & Pratt Industries USA
“From the moment he stepped foot in Le Gavroche in 1980, Tom Rutherford was a fantastic chef. When he left in 1986, we were all immensely sorry to see him go but delighted by his new venture The Truffle Group Catering Company, through which he was responsible for some spectacularly successful catering events in Australia. His exemplary influence on the Australian food industry and the legacy which endures is without question. His contribution immense. I have no hesitation in recommending Tom for his superb dedication, conscientiousness, skill and creative flair. All these outstanding attributes have ensured Australia have in Tom someone who deserves recognition with a lifetime achievement award.”
Albert H Roux OBE, KFO, restaurateur and chef at Le Gavroche
“Tom Rutherford encompasses the heart and soul of Australia’s catering industry. When Tom created The Truffle Group in the late 1980s, he took once mundane catering to a new level and showed the industry what was possible with a little innovation, creativity and hard work. The events that Tom and his team have created over the years are second to none and for some of the biggest names in the business. I have known Tom for many years, during which time he has created events like no other, run companies seamlessly and exercised a true passion for the catering and hospitality industry. His contribution has been second to none. As a human being, Tom is not only generous in a charitable way but generous too with his time and sharing of knowledge. He is a natural educator and leader in his field.”
Neil Perry AM, Rockpool Dining Group director
“I have known Tom Rutherford for many years, I believe since the 1990s and have always been a fan of his innovation and fresh food. I consider him to be the pioneer of the catering industry, changing the way we eat at all manner of events. Tom raised the standard of food with extraordinary precision through The Truffle Group. His passion for excellent quality produce is inspiring and deserves recognition. Without his drive, our industry and food scene would look very different today.”
Tetsuya Wakadu, Tetsuya chef and restaurateur
“Tom Rutherford has taken catering, beverage and event food industry from party pies and sausage rolls to stylish, innovative, quality-driven delivery of produce and beverage into the most inhospitable event spaces on the planet. He is a man of intellect who understands the need for service and constant reinvention. Born and bred to be in the business of F&B, he has brought a sense of theatre to everything he has touched from his earliest beginnings. This is a man who constantly takes risks and has led the way for those that follow in how best to bring cachet to that part of our business that we are most judged by.”
Peter Rix, George P. Johnson director
The Langham, Sydney, the leading luxury five star hotel in Sydney had a restaurant and bar which where not operating at optimum financial capacity. As General Manager of the hotel I appointed Tom to project manage the overhaul ofthe 150 seat restaurant and the 60 seat bar. Tom deljvered market strategy, concept and branding and a detailed and impressive business plan. The financial templates and models behind Tom's creative plans were articulate, detailed yet simply for the daily operations to be successful. His attention to detail, creative thought, ability to work across all levels of the business, financial prowess and genuine passion were the core success factors to his F&B plan. Moving forward with 5 star hotel opdnings I would continue to use Tom as an experienced, creative and financially sawy consultant.
Sonia Lefevre, CEO, Lustro HotelGroup
“We have a had a taste of Tom, and we wanted more. In fact we already have engaged him for our next incentive trip and other events in the coming year to reinforce our commitment to members, suppliers and staff. Tom was a pivotal feature in our recent incentive trip to Budapest and Russia, his involvement tied together the entertainment program, 12 days of lunches and dinners expertly chosen, with an ever increasing culinary narrative showcasing the best regional cuisine and beverages available, most importantly within our budget for maximum effect, choices were culturally and dietary sensitive for all participants. If you haven't experienced Tom Rutherford’s style of hospitality, you should. It is refreshing, inclusive, detailed and without doubt, memorable. Tom has a way of making everyone feel comfortable, while serving up delicious dishes with surprise and intrigue. His ability to work with multiple venues, restaurants and hotels in several currencies is extraordinary. Tom plays host, MC and F&B guy to tie the entire program together, I consider him our secret weapon.”
Tony Green, GM Sales & Marketing
Read the latest articles about Tom
The hospitality sector raises concerns over the end of JobKeeper
This is how to Pivot, dine at your favourite restaurant,..........at home 😇
2019 NAFDA FOODSERVICE GROW & GO INCENTIVE It took a team of great colleagues 20 months to design & deliver this event
Another one for the sweet tooths
A sweet treat to bake and eat
The ‘Createrer’ shares delicious dinner recipe to try at home
As someone who loves to cook, being able to stand in his kitchen and watch waves crashing against the shore across the road at Sydney’s Manly Beach is as good as it gets for Tom Rutherford.
COVID-19 – Business Events Daily Update – April 22, 2020 What the 'createrer' has been up to during lockdown
‘Createrer’ Tom Rutherford reveals the trials and tribulations of organising an event offshore
Known as the ‘Createrer’ thanks to his reputation for creative catering concepts, Tom Rutherford shares tips and tricks he’s learned from four decades in the industry
As well as being a disruptor to the catering industry, Tom designs furniture, hosts luxury gastronomy and cultural tours to destinations including Russia, Spain and the Napa Valley, is a writer, sailor and a mentor to many.
The world’s most unique caterer, Tom has nearly 40 years’ experience in the industry. He can deliver unforgettable culinary experiences in any venue in the world, from outdoor picnics to three-star Michelin experiences, for two to ‘too many’.