About Crisp Catering
Crisp Catering is a Sacramento-based catering company that was founded on the principles of providing clients cutting-edge foods, top-notch service, tasty traditions and dazzling displays, all in an unpretentious manner.
Joe Thompson, owner, and Jerrad McConnell, executive chef, have more than 25 years of combined catering experience between them. They are constantly developing new ideas, staying abreast of the latest trends, and ensuring that your event goes off without a hitch.
Crisp Catering is a preferred caterer of The California Museum, California State Railroad Museum, Tsakopoulos Library Galleria, Esquire IMAX Theater, Crocker Art Museum, and Raceplace Motor Sports.
Joe Thompson, Proprietor
Joe opened Crisp Catering in January 2009. He is also co-owner of Gold Rush Grille along with his wife Alison. He has been in the restaurant business for more than 25 years. Prior to opening Crisp Catering, Joe built his catering reputation through Gold Rush Grille which had done extensive catering for a number of exceptional clients, including first lady Maria Shriver, former Secretary of State Bruce McPherson, Vienna Boys Choir, actor Danny Glover and California History Museum, to name a few. Crisp Catering is carrying on that tradition.
Joe has worked in a multitude of restaurant environments, including: fast food, deli, pizza, fine dining, oyster bar, quick service and bakery cafe. Prior to opening Gold Rush Grille, Joe was general manager and partner of the award-winning Ettore’s Restaurant and European Bakery where he oversaw a multifaceted business that included a bakery, cafe, full service catering division, wholesale bakery, and wedding cake department.
Joe has made numerous television appearances on all the major cooking segments in Sacramento: KCRA, KOVR, KXTV and KMAX. Additionally, Joe has appeared on the Paul and Phil Show on KGBY radio. He also has been sought out as a source for many publications such as The Sacramento Bee, Folsom Style Magazine, Sacramento Bride and Groom Magazine and CaterSource magazine. Additionally, because of Joe's easy-going-manner and culinary knowledge, he has been asked back year-after-year by the California State Fair for cooking demonstrations.
Under Joe’s management, he has frequently overseen his restaurants’ involvement in charity causes for some of Sacramento’s most prestigious nonprofits, including Sacramento Children’s Home, NPR radio, American Lung Association and Agency for Hearing. Joe is the past president of Eastern Little League.
Joe's education started with a certificate in Hospitality Management from the University of California, Irvine. He has expanded his education by being certified with the National Restaurant Association for Safe Food Handling Practices as well as Responsible Alcohol Service. Joe also graduated from the L.E.A.D. program established through the Alcohol Beverage Control Department of California. He has continued his catering education through CATERSOURCE UPDATE training classes in 1999 - 2004. These classes are attended by caterers from all over the country.
Joe and his wife Alison have two children, Joey and Autumn. The Thompson family makes their home in Sacramento.
Jerrad McConnell, executive chef
Chef Jerrad McConnell has more than 19 years of restaurant experience and 11 years of catering experience to Sacramento.
Prior to joining Crisp Catering, Jerrad was corporate chef at Mandango's Sports Bar, where he oversaw the food preparation and menu for three restaurants. While at Mandango's he started the restaurant's catering operation, Ashley Catering, which was a full service caterer. Before Mandango's, Jerrad was executive chef at Ettore's Restaurant and European Bakery. And previous to that position, he was executive chef at East End Bar & Grill.
Growing up working with food in some of Chicago’s best eateries, Lida’s Italian Restaurant, Damn Site Grille, and Ambrosia American and Mexican Grill, he spent time as a personal chef in the south before settling in Sacramento with wife Marie. Together, Jerrad and his wife started McConnell’s Catering which 
they owned and operated together for 7 years.
Jerrad has been a frequent guest chef on Sacramento area TV stations, including KMAX and KCRA. He has also competed in cooking competitions, facing some of the region's top chefs. He took second place in both the Mandango's BBQ Tri-Tip Chef Challenge and the Swabbies The Great Celeb Chef Rib Cook-Off.
