The Chill Zone: James Wheat

Working for the past 24 years at Thermo-Kool gives James Wheat a unique perspective. A Utlility Specialist in the Door Department, James is one of the people who help ensure cold air stays in your walk-in freezer or cooler and the warm air stays out. We sat down with him to find out his ideas on blast chillers, how he loves to spend time with his grandchildren, and the unique place he lived the first six years of his life. 

How did you land in the foodservice industry? 

My first job was at Kentucky Fried Chicken, so I guess I’ve always been in foodservice. But Thermo-Kool has always been known as a stable, good company in our community. There used to be a line out the door on ‘application day,’ and everybody was hoping to get those five or so spots available. I got lucky and haven’t left.

If you could describe Thermo-Kool in one word, what would it be? 

Awesome. Thermo-Kool is a place where you can learn and grow. Each department teaches you something different, and then you can go learn something new from another department.

And it’s all skills that can be used inside the company, and outside the company. Years of building doors and installing hardware have taught me how to handle electrical issues at home.

Where do you think the industry is headed?

Bigger. There are so many restaurants popping up, and they represent all different cultures. Everyone is reinventing the experience and offering more to stay on top. It’s just going to keep growing and getting better.

In your opinion, what's the best, obscure use for a blast chiller?

Not obscure, but I think the benefits blast chillers bring to the table are great. Food safety for one. Preventing bacteria and extending shelf life; I can’t imagine any restaurant not wanting that.

What's your favorite food?

Fried chicken.

Do you have a favorite restaurant?

I can’t pick one, so here’s my top three: Outback Steakhouse, Burger King, Charlie's Catfish House. That last one is a Laurel exclusive and a community favorite.

What's your go-to order if you're out to eat?

BBQ Ribs

Do you cook at home? If so, what's your favorite tool or appliance?

I’m really enjoying my air fryer right now. I even brought it to work and offered to cook a steak for anyone who brought one. The place was smelling real good after that.

Are you binge-watching any TV shows right now?

Well, I’m a little older, so I enjoy watching Westerns. Right now I’m watching a show called Virginia.

What's the coolest place on Earth you've ever been? 

New York. There’s no place like it. I have family there, so it’s nice to go visit, but it’s just a great place to be. My favorite place there is The Apollo Theater, and the lights in Times Square are so bright it’s almost like the day never turns to night.

What's your favorite cold weather sport?

Football. My family used to live in Cleveland, so we went to a lot of Cleveland Brown games. They’re my favorite team, and Lebron James was my favorite player back when he played football (in high school). They’re not as good as they once were, but they’re still my team.

Is there anything on your bucket list?

I want to visit Japan again. Not a lot of people may know this, but I was born in Tokyo and didn’t move back to America until I was six. So, Japan. I think it would be nice to see the place again.

Anything else we should know about you that you'd like to share?

My two grandboys, Cade and Jordan, they’re my life. Both are growing up to be fine young men. Cade plays saxophone in the varsity band, and Jordan isn’t old enough yet, but I know he’s going to be my drummer.

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