Management Team

Marie Banis

As Managing Principal, Marie brings her meticulous attention to detail and passion for organic cooking to the Certified Kitchens team. Her experience with organic certification and dedication to high standards make her an invaluable resource for start-up food companies navigating production and compliance.

Before founding Certified Kitchens, Marie co-founded Thoughtful Food in 2011 — an Organic and Gluten-Free Certified granola company best known for its signature product, Giddy Up & Go Granola. Under Marie’s direction, the brand earned full certification for both gluten-free and 100% organic standards, reflecting her deep commitment to quality and mindful food production.

Marie also enjoyed a long and successful career in the banking industry. As Assistant Vice President, Commercial Client Manager at Bank of America, she managed the portfolios of CEOs and senior executives within the commercial banking division for nearly a decade.

Originally from Glendale, California, Marie attended Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oaks, where she played volleyball and softball, and later earned a degree in Business Management from the University of La Verne. Her appreciation for food began early — her father co-owns the long-standing Conrad’s Family Restaurants in Glendale and Pasadena, where she grew up taste-testing the fresh, home-cooked meals.

Now based in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and son, Marie continues to be passionate about cooking and enjoying local, sustainable foods every day.

As managing principal, Marie brings her meticulous attention to detail and love of Organic cooking to the Certified Kitchens team. Her experience with the Organic certification process is an invaluable asset for start-up food companies.

Thomas A. Banis

Tom brings over 35 years of commercial kitchen design and equipment expertise to Certified Kitchens. With a deep technical understanding of the entire process—from concept to completion—he has delivered food processing solutions to a wide range of foodservice clients. His extensive industry knowledge played a pivotal role in shaping Certified Kitchens, where no detail was overlooked in creating an environment that helps chefs work more efficiently and creatively.

In addition to his role with Certified Kitchens, Thomas Banis is Principal and Director of Design at Banis Restaurant Design, Inc., established in 1977. Under his direction, the firm has designed interiors for many acclaimed restaurants, church halls, kitchens, and golf clubhouses. Banis Restaurant Design was recognized by Esquire Magazine as one of the Top 20 Best New Restaurants Nationwide, underscoring the firm’s reputation for excellence.

The firm is known for combining cutting-edge materials and functional design to create spaces that balance aesthetics with performance. In addition to interior design, Banis Restaurant Design specializes in Foodservice Consulting, providing solutions that enhance workflow, service efficiency, and overall guest experience.

Mr. Banis holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business from the University of San Francisco and a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Design with an emphasis in Interior Architecture from the University of California, Berkeley. His firm is an approved consultant for both the Catholic Archdiocese of San Francisco/Oakland and the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco, representing the Western States for foodservice consultation and construction.