From the drivers who drop off your meals, to the engineers who make our website hum, and everyone in between, our employees are the heart and soul here at Thistle.
Behind every Thistle meal is a team of people who makes it all happen. Across all of our teams - Culinary R&D, Logistics, Sourcing, Production, People Ops, Product & Engineering, Marketing, Accounting - everyone is striving to bring the best food and experience to our customers. And while we are working behind the scenes to bring your meals to you, we’re also Thistle customers. We rely on the same convenient, plant-based goodness to be delivered to our doorsteps, just like you, to allow us time to do other things that are important to us.
Carolyn M., Oakland, CA
What do you do for Thistle? I'm the Creative Manager at the best company ever
Best part about working at Thistle: I love working at Thistle because we get to help people fall in love with food that heals both them and the planet, all while discovering flavors and ingredients that never would have otherwise. In a chaotic world, it feels really good to putting my time towards a company that’s making such a positive impact.
Minutes saved per day with Thistle: 31 - 60 minutes
With Thistle, I have more time to... run and hike and explore local trails
On Saturday at 10am I'm... in the middle of a long run!
If I had an extra day a week I would... plan more weekend warrior trips around CA for camping and backpacking
Mountains or ocean? I refuse to choose!
The one vegetable I can’t live without: Carrots - quick, easy and dippable
Favorite city for food: Oakland :)
My favorite Thistle item: Vegan dinners
Most interesting thing in my fridge/freezer: Bags and bags and bags of frozen fruit
Most unique hobby/pastime: Volunteering at a farm sanctuary
I make a positive impact on the planet by… eating MOSTLY plant-based, leaving no trace on camping trips, supporting local food businesses
My best time management tip: Prioritize and be willing to delegate
I feel most energized when I’m… running or exploring outside with friends
Before Thistle, my quick go to meal was… avocado toast
Meghan T., Truckee, CA
What do you do for Thistle? Senior Customer Support Specialist
Best part about working at Thistle: Flexibility, hourly pay , and great and friendly team from managers on down
Minutes saved per day with Thistle: 61 - 90 minutes
With Thistle, I have more time to... do anything/everything I want! Workout, take the dog on walks, read, nap and relax :)
On Saturday at 10am I'm... hiking in the Sierra Mountains with my dog Smokey
If I had an extra day a week I would... go on some type of outdoor adventure
Mountains or ocean? Mountains, but the ocean definitely has a special place in my heart
The one vegetable I can’t live without: Cauliflower
Favorite city for food: Mexico City
My favorite Thistle item: All the snacks!
Most interesting thing in my fridge/freezer: Spinach, oat milk, and almond butter are in my fridge at all times
Most unique hobby/pastime: I practice daily tea meditation, called Cha Dao and love talking about and sharing tea with others.
I make a positive impact on the planet by… Being mindful of my consumption and waste & doing my part to learn about the land I am on and the ways to help protect it
My best time management tip: Whatever you do first thing in the morning, do it with full presence and intention - it will set the tone for how you conquer the rest of your day.
I feel most energized when I’m… in nature! Sharing tea with friends by a river, kayaking, mountain biking, really anything I do is way more energizing when I do it in nature.
Before Thistle, my quick go to meal was… Veggie Sandwiches! I used to work for Bi Rite and I've lost count on how many times I've eaten their Vegan Hippie Sandwich
Lushaun M., Los Angeles, CA
What do you do for Thistle? Delivery driver
Best part about working at Thistle: Flexibility, hourly pay , and great and friendly team from managers on down
Minutes saved per day with Thistle: More than two hours
With Thistle, I have more time to... Work and take care of household needs. Also it keeps me from taking a lunch break at a restaurant or fast food.
On Saturday at 10am I'm... Resting
If I had an extra day a week I would... Find more work to do
Mountains or ocean? Mountains
The one vegetable I can’t live without: The one vegetable I can’t live without is asparagus. Whether it’s crunchy, soft, baked or sautéed, it is great. I like to cut it up in my vegetable rice as well.
Favorite city for food: Los Angeles
My favorite Thistle item: The taco meal
Most interesting thing in my fridge/freezer: Thistle salad
Most unique hobby/pastime: Personal computer, automobile studying/ research
I make a positive impact on the planet by… Trying to be a better human overall
My best time management tip: Take care of all personal things. Leave as soon as you can and don’t stop working until you’re finished.
I feel most energized when I’m… Well rested and full
Before Thistle, my quick go to meal was… Fast food or a gas station
Derald T., Long Beach, CA
What do you do for Thistle? Production Associate
Minutes saved per day with Thistle: 15-30 minutes
With Thistle, I have more time to... rest before going into work
On Saturday at 10am I'm... Just beginning to open my eyes
If I had an extra day a week I would... Practice cello or guitar
Mountains or ocean? Mountains
The one vegetable I can’t live without: Mushrooms and olives
Favorite city for food: Long Beach
My favorite Thistle item: Enchilada Bake
Most interesting thing in my fridge/freezer: Ube flavored siopao
Most unique hobby/pastime: Learning Welsh language
I make a positive impact on the planet by… Always considering sources of things I buy
My best time management tip: Use a priority list
I feel most energized when I’m… Well rested and hydrated
Before Thistle, my quick go to meal was… Smoked salmon
Naiha F., Emeryville, CA
What do you do for Thistle? I am a chef who does recipe development. I am also a holistic nutritionist
Best part about working at Thistle: I feel like I'm a part of something bigger than myself. We make an effort to work with small and local businesses, partner with those who have similar sustainability missions, and I truly believe our product can and will help people better their lives and health! If I'm able to positively impact even just one person to improve their nutrition and incorporate more plant foods in their diet, that means the world to me! I'm grateful that my work here is something I can be proud of.
Minutes saved per day with Thistle: 31-60 minutes
With Thistle, I have more time to... Enjoy the sunshine with less time doing dishes!
On Saturday at 10am I'm... Watering my plantain tree
If I had an extra day a week I would... Take a day trip out of town and explore more of California
Mountains or ocean? Ocean!
The one vegetable I can’t live without: Okra
Favorite city for food: San Francisco
My favorite Thistle item: Our creamy split pea hummus
Most interesting thing in my fridge/freezer: Green Kadota fig mostarda I made from my neighbor's tree
Most unique hobby/pastime: I love to skateboard whenever I'm not cooking.
I make a positive impact on the planet by… Not eating meat or animal products for over a decade
My best time management tip: If you have a task to do, write it down on a list. Then distribute your tasks throughout a calendar to stay organized and make sure nothing gets missed.
I feel most energized when I’m… Around people who share my passions
Before Thistle, my quick go to meal was… Light salad with a simple vinaigrette - typically using up any leftover veggies in the fridge
Aaron M., Oakland, CA
What do you do for Thistle? Marketing
Best part about working at Thistle: There’s something amazing about working at a company that you can have complete pride in. From the way Thistle cares about its employees to making delicious meals that are healthy for you to taking big steps to help leave the planet in better shape, Thistle fills me with pride.
Minutes saved per day with Thistle meals: 15-30 minutes
With Thistle, I have more time to...I love not having to think about lunch during the week. I don't need to plan groceries/ordering/prep/clean-up/etc. That gives me more time to spend with my kids during lunch. This was a huge help during remote learning for them, as I was able to be more helpful with their learning and work.
On Saturday at 10am I'm… Just finishing up a ride or a run.
If I had an extra day a week I would… Do my best to not fill it with more work!
Mountains or ocean? Ocean. We're lucky to live in The Bay and enjoy the beaches year around.
The one vegetable I can’t live without: Just one?!?! We'd probably have the hardest time without broccolini (but Brussels sprouts and asparagus are fast follows!)
Favorite city for food: Paris! However, food tends to be the cornerstone of all of our travels.
Favorite Thistle item: I love the Elote Corn & Bean Salad!
Most interesting thing in my fridge/freezer: My wife is an incredible cook and celebrates all types of cuisines, so there's always some random ingredients for some very specific dish.
Most unique hobby/pastime: I'm not sure how unique, but I've gotten into endurance sports with a focus on Ironman.
I make a positive impact on the planet by… We've had bees for five years! Of course, the honey is delicious, but the work they do for the planet is incredible.
My best time management tip: Focus on your sleep. You are so much more productive with a good night of sleep.
I feel most energized when I’m… Eating an amazing meal with my wife.
Before Thistle, my quick go to meal was… Burritos!
From the drivers who drop off your meals, to the engineers who make our website hum, and everyone in between, our employees are the heart and soul here at Thistle.
Behind every Thistle meal is a team of people who makes it all happen. Across all of our teams - Culinary R&D, Logistics, Sourcing, Production, People Ops, Product & Engineering, Marketing, Accounting - everyone is striving to bring the best food and experience to our customers. And while we are working behind the scenes to bring your meals to you, we’re also Thistle customers. We rely on the same convenient, plant-based goodness to be delivered to our doorsteps, just like you, to allow us time to do other things that are important to us.
Carolyn M., Oakland, CA
What do you do for Thistle? I'm the Creative Manager at the best company ever
Best part about working at Thistle: I love working at Thistle because we get to help people fall in love with food that heals both them and the planet, all while discovering flavors and ingredients that never would have otherwise. In a chaotic world, it feels really good to putting my time towards a company that’s making such a positive impact.
Minutes saved per day with Thistle: 31 - 60 minutes
With Thistle, I have more time to... run and hike and explore local trails
On Saturday at 10am I'm... in the middle of a long run!
If I had an extra day a week I would... plan more weekend warrior trips around CA for camping and backpacking
Mountains or ocean? I refuse to choose!
The one vegetable I can’t live without: Carrots - quick, easy and dippable
Favorite city for food: Oakland :)
My favorite Thistle item: Vegan dinners
Most interesting thing in my fridge/freezer: Bags and bags and bags of frozen fruit
Most unique hobby/pastime: Volunteering at a farm sanctuary
I make a positive impact on the planet by… eating MOSTLY plant-based, leaving no trace on camping trips, supporting local food businesses
My best time management tip: Prioritize and be willing to delegate
I feel most energized when I’m… running or exploring outside with friends
Before Thistle, my quick go to meal was… avocado toast
Meghan T., Truckee, CA
What do you do for Thistle? Senior Customer Support Specialist
Best part about working at Thistle: Flexibility, hourly pay , and great and friendly team from managers on down
Minutes saved per day with Thistle: 61 - 90 minutes
With Thistle, I have more time to... do anything/everything I want! Workout, take the dog on walks, read, nap and relax :)
On Saturday at 10am I'm... hiking in the Sierra Mountains with my dog Smokey
If I had an extra day a week I would... go on some type of outdoor adventure
Mountains or ocean? Mountains, but the ocean definitely has a special place in my heart
The one vegetable I can’t live without: Cauliflower
Favorite city for food: Mexico City
My favorite Thistle item: All the snacks!
Most interesting thing in my fridge/freezer: Spinach, oat milk, and almond butter are in my fridge at all times
Most unique hobby/pastime: I practice daily tea meditation, called Cha Dao and love talking about and sharing tea with others.
I make a positive impact on the planet by… Being mindful of my consumption and waste & doing my part to learn about the land I am on and the ways to help protect it
My best time management tip: Whatever you do first thing in the morning, do it with full presence and intention - it will set the tone for how you conquer the rest of your day.
I feel most energized when I’m… in nature! Sharing tea with friends by a river, kayaking, mountain biking, really anything I do is way more energizing when I do it in nature.
Before Thistle, my quick go to meal was… Veggie Sandwiches! I used to work for Bi Rite and I've lost count on how many times I've eaten their Vegan Hippie Sandwich
Lushaun M., Los Angeles, CA
What do you do for Thistle? Delivery driver
Best part about working at Thistle: Flexibility, hourly pay , and great and friendly team from managers on down
Minutes saved per day with Thistle: More than two hours
With Thistle, I have more time to... Work and take care of household needs. Also it keeps me from taking a lunch break at a restaurant or fast food.
On Saturday at 10am I'm... Resting
If I had an extra day a week I would... Find more work to do
Mountains or ocean? Mountains
The one vegetable I can’t live without: The one vegetable I can’t live without is asparagus. Whether it’s crunchy, soft, baked or sautéed, it is great. I like to cut it up in my vegetable rice as well.
Favorite city for food: Los Angeles
My favorite Thistle item: The taco meal
Most interesting thing in my fridge/freezer: Thistle salad
Most unique hobby/pastime: Personal computer, automobile studying/ research
I make a positive impact on the planet by… Trying to be a better human overall
My best time management tip: Take care of all personal things. Leave as soon as you can and don’t stop working until you’re finished.
I feel most energized when I’m… Well rested and full
Before Thistle, my quick go to meal was… Fast food or a gas station
Derald T., Long Beach, CA
What do you do for Thistle? Production Associate
Minutes saved per day with Thistle: 15-30 minutes
With Thistle, I have more time to... rest before going into work
On Saturday at 10am I'm... Just beginning to open my eyes
If I had an extra day a week I would... Practice cello or guitar
Mountains or ocean? Mountains
The one vegetable I can’t live without: Mushrooms and olives
Favorite city for food: Long Beach
My favorite Thistle item: Enchilada Bake
Most interesting thing in my fridge/freezer: Ube flavored siopao
Most unique hobby/pastime: Learning Welsh language
I make a positive impact on the planet by… Always considering sources of things I buy
My best time management tip: Use a priority list
I feel most energized when I’m… Well rested and hydrated
Before Thistle, my quick go to meal was… Smoked salmon
Naiha F., Emeryville, CA
What do you do for Thistle? I am a chef who does recipe development. I am also a holistic nutritionist
Best part about working at Thistle: I feel like I'm a part of something bigger than myself. We make an effort to work with small and local businesses, partner with those who have similar sustainability missions, and I truly believe our product can and will help people better their lives and health! If I'm able to positively impact even just one person to improve their nutrition and incorporate more plant foods in their diet, that means the world to me! I'm grateful that my work here is something I can be proud of.
Minutes saved per day with Thistle: 31-60 minutes
With Thistle, I have more time to... Enjoy the sunshine with less time doing dishes!
On Saturday at 10am I'm... Watering my plantain tree
If I had an extra day a week I would... Take a day trip out of town and explore more of California
Mountains or ocean? Ocean!
The one vegetable I can’t live without: Okra
Favorite city for food: San Francisco
My favorite Thistle item: Our creamy split pea hummus
Most interesting thing in my fridge/freezer: Green Kadota fig mostarda I made from my neighbor's tree
Most unique hobby/pastime: I love to skateboard whenever I'm not cooking.
I make a positive impact on the planet by… Not eating meat or animal products for over a decade
My best time management tip: If you have a task to do, write it down on a list. Then distribute your tasks throughout a calendar to stay organized and make sure nothing gets missed.
I feel most energized when I’m… Around people who share my passions
Before Thistle, my quick go to meal was… Light salad with a simple vinaigrette - typically using up any leftover veggies in the fridge
Aaron M., Oakland, CA
What do you do for Thistle? Marketing
Best part about working at Thistle: There’s something amazing about working at a company that you can have complete pride in. From the way Thistle cares about its employees to making delicious meals that are healthy for you to taking big steps to help leave the planet in better shape, Thistle fills me with pride.
Minutes saved per day with Thistle meals: 15-30 minutes
With Thistle, I have more time to...I love not having to think about lunch during the week. I don't need to plan groceries/ordering/prep/clean-up/etc. That gives me more time to spend with my kids during lunch. This was a huge help during remote learning for them, as I was able to be more helpful with their learning and work.
On Saturday at 10am I'm… Just finishing up a ride or a run.
If I had an extra day a week I would… Do my best to not fill it with more work!
Mountains or ocean? Ocean. We're lucky to live in The Bay and enjoy the beaches year around.
The one vegetable I can’t live without: Just one?!?! We'd probably have the hardest time without broccolini (but Brussels sprouts and asparagus are fast follows!)
Favorite city for food: Paris! However, food tends to be the cornerstone of all of our travels.
Favorite Thistle item: I love the Elote Corn & Bean Salad!
Most interesting thing in my fridge/freezer: My wife is an incredible cook and celebrates all types of cuisines, so there's always some random ingredients for some very specific dish.
Most unique hobby/pastime: I'm not sure how unique, but I've gotten into endurance sports with a focus on Ironman.
I make a positive impact on the planet by… We've had bees for five years! Of course, the honey is delicious, but the work they do for the planet is incredible.
My best time management tip: Focus on your sleep. You are so much more productive with a good night of sleep.
I feel most energized when I’m… Eating an amazing meal with my wife.
Before Thistle, my quick go to meal was… Burritos!