About Us

The Frontier Story

Frontier Foodservice was born to bring genuine partnership back to the equipment-outfitting industry. We collaborate closely with vendors, designers, installers, and, most importantly, our customers.

Navigating kitchen construction is tough, especially with today’s bureaucratic challenges. Large corporations add more obstacles with their unique goals. Steve (Founder) left a successful career at TriMark / Chefs' Toys, seeking a new space to cultivate a culture of trust.

Choosing to build from scratch, Steve aimed to establish a company focused on the basics—handshakes and promises kept. Our journey embodies earned wisdom, a gritty commitment to real relationships, and timeless values that define lasting partnerships.

Meet the Guides

Steve Ruck

President

Steve’s pedigree could not be more suited for this business in this place. Most will point to his decade at Chefs’ Toys shipping small wares and growing an equipment project team or his history before that as a General Contractor as the earliest beginnings. However, rumor has it, at 6yrs old he named the family’s new refrigerator as his favorite Christmas present, then, designed a restaurant on his bedroom floor with Lincoln Logs. Steve launched Frontier Foodservice in 2021 with trust as its highest value, and aims to hire and train a new generation of equipment experts.

Thomas Bader

Project Manager

Thomas is a robust industry professional with a rich culinary arts and firefighting background. He started his culinary journey as a Kitchen Chef in the Swiss Military, swiftly rising to the position of Kitchen Master Chef. Thomas expanded his expertise through internships in Swiss restaurants and hotels. Simultaneously, he embraced a career in firefighting, eventually becoming a firefighter trainer. Transitioning to Southern California, he excelled as an Executive Chef before diversifying into roles as a pasta machine representative and a kitchen equipment project manager. Beyond work, Thomas enjoys celebrating Halloween and indulging in ice-climbing adventures amidst Northern Minnesota's wintry landscapes.

Joe FUrdui

Project Manager

Joe is a seasoned professional with an eclectic background, transitioning from a former medical career as a respiratory therapist in ICUs to the dynamic realm of the restaurant industry. He thrives on the intricate complexities of restaurant operations, likening it to a multi-variable board game. Joe treasures moments with family and friends outside of work, indulging in outdoor escapades on foot or bike and engaging in desert shooting adventures. With a wealth of experience and a propensity for storytelling, Joe's contributions to the Frontier team are immense, and he is ready to embark on new challenges and adventures together.

Jeff Marshman

Project Manager

Jeff, a Los Angeles native, brings a wealth of diverse experience gained from living across the United States. For nearly a decade, he's navigated various industries, including non-profits, clothing, and retail management at Target Stores. Now focused on commercial kitchen project management, Jeff's passion lies in supporting aspiring restaurateurs. Beyond work, he enjoys lawn sports like bocce and croquet, showcasing his talent for estimating distances. With his commitment to excellence and genuine desire to help others succeed, Jeff is a valuable addition to the Frontier team.

Jacob HEgardt

Administrator

Jacob is a dedicated team player at Frontier Foodservice, assisting colleagues with any request that comes his way. Outside work, he enjoys outdoor activities, playing music, drinking coffee, and diving into a good book. Swimming is his preferred sport, both for watching and participating. Alongside his commitment to his role, he finds moments to lift weights with his coworker Joe.

What people are saying about us

After we finished Bicyclette together, Steve took responsibility for adjustments and follow through on making sure we got all the details right at our restaurant, even years after we opened.

CHef Walter Manzke

Los Angeles

While many in the industry lack integrity and accountability, Steve and his team prioritize their client's needs as much as their own, which is rare. Steve's honesty sets the tone for his company, making both good and bad news easier to accept. Choosing Frontier means choosing reliability and relief.

Bruce Teichman

Simply Salad

Willing partner to tackle the difficult upgrades we wanted to do in some of the areas at Republique.

Chef Walter Manzke

Los Angeles

It's an easy call, and you just take care of business.

Chef Ori

Bavel, Saffy's, Bestia