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THE KNIFE:
JOSEPH JACOBSEN
As a proud native of the Toledo area, my devotion as a chef is to the local-food movement. After finishing culinary school and working in New York City, I wanted to revolutionize the culinary world of Northwest Ohio and the surrounding areas. There is an abundance of incredible farms in our area, and connecting with these local farmers to fully utilize locally-grown and sourced produce, meats and dairy is the foundational work that Cork & Knife was built on.
I believe the most sustainable crop in our area is knowledge. Knowing where our food comes from, what goes into our food, and how to use every part of the animal and the vegetable. The best way to do that is to not only support, but truly get to know the farmers and every step of the process. Nose-to-tail meat butchery and whole vegetable utilization practices are at the core of my entire culinary philosophy. It is with that philosophy and commitment that my wife, Katie, and I started Cork & Knife Provisions. The passion we have for local and sustainable food practices is shown in all the food we create and deliver. I am thrilled to be living and working within such a talented and driven community of farmers and craftspeople.
THE FRENCH CULINARY INSTITUTE, New York City
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HARVARD CERTIFICATION: The Science of Cooking
THE PLATE:​
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STEPHEN GULLETTE
THE CORK:​
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KATIE FRUZYNSKI
Starting my events career in the fast paced energy of Washington DC, I planned and executed a wide variety of corporate trainings and events. Now with 20+ years of experience in event design, planning and coordination, I am beyond excited to be in the Northwest Ohio community. Originally from Sonoma, CA, I grew up ignorantly thinking local bakeries, cheese shops and abundant wine racks were the norm. I was totally spoiled. However, it was in that amazing landscape of Wine Country culture that my true passion for hospitality sparked.
Conceptualizing, planning and executing events of all sizes with a level of modern creativity and out of the box thinking, is what I love. I want to help you dream up a truly incredible and unique event, and then make it come to life. The Cork & Knife experience is about truly enjoying food, from farm to table, and truly enjoying an event, from start to finish. When you think of a C&K event you attended, I want you to immediately get a feeling, not just an image of a pretty table. I think often of that Maya Angelou quote: 'I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.'
AMERICAN UNIVERSITY, Washington, DC
UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH CERTIFICATION:
Sustainable Global Food Systems
Born in Cincinnati and raised in Toledo, Stephen’s roots here run deep — and so does his passion for seeing his hometown thrive. After earning his degree in Strategic Communications from Miami University of Ohio, he found his way back home and joined the team at Jupmode, another beloved local business. There, he honed his marketing and event skills, becoming a familiar face in the community — always finding new ways to bring people together and celebrate what makes Northwest Ohio so special.
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At Cork & Knife, Stephen brings that same creative drive and heart for connection to everything he touches. His talent for storytelling, branding, and event design has quickly made him the perfect missing piece to our team — the plate to our cork and knife, bringing our vision to the table. From refining event experiences to championing local partnerships, Stephen helps us stay rooted in what matters most: authentic connection, shared experience, and community. We’re unbelievably lucky to have him as part of the Cork & Knife family.
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