Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Smith.
Hi Michael, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Michael Smith, a seasoned chef and entrepreneur, is the owner and executive chef of Thyme Table, a neighborhood restaurant in Bay Village, Ohio, known for its upscale yet approachable American fare. His culinary journey began at age 15 as a dishwasher, and he has since held nearly every position in the restaurant industry, including a decade-long tenure at Marigold Catering.
In 2017, he launched Thyme Catering and Special Events, followed by the (now closed) Thyme Traveler food truck. In April 2019, he and his wife Tess opened Thyme Table, aiming to create a comfortable gathering place for the community. The restaurant has earned praise for its inviting atmosphere and creative dishes like lobster tater tots and beer-braised short ribs, becoming a beloved local destination.
In February 2025, the Smiths expanded their ventures with Trust Coffee Co., an all-day café at 27225 Wolf Rd. in Bay Village. They revitalized the former Java Bay Coffee space, doubling its size and adding a full liquor license. Trust Coffee Co. offers a seamless experience from morning coffee to evening cocktails, serving brews from local and national roasters and featuring a menu of fresh salads, sandwiches, and happy hour drinks.
The café, designed in collaboration with AoDK, blends charm and community warmth—an extension of the welcoming environment the Smiths are known for. Through Thyme Table and Trust Coffee Co., Mike and Tess continue to enrich the Bay Village community with hospitality, creativity, and heart.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Well, we opened Thyme Table 10 months before the COVID shut downs, so it was definitely a challenge. We were forced to pivot and change in many ways during that time. We launched a really successful Virtual Wine Dinner series during that time, and were able to connect our guests with wine makers all over the world through this. The winemakers joined our Zoom calls from their respective vineyards, live, from places like Italy, South Africa, California and Australia. It was a really amazing experience during a very hard time.
As for Trust, our newest venture, there were some little delays in construction, but considering that we tore down 2 storefronts all the way to the concrete and then built it all back up, we were very blessed in how smooth it went. Our opening was very well received, and our staff has been absolutely amazing.
We’ve been impressed with Thyme Table / Trust Coffee Co, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
What should we know?
At Thyme, we are very passionate about creating memorable experiences through food, drink, and genuine hospitality. From our neighborhood spot to our catering service and modern all-day café, our family of businesses is rooted in community, quality, and creativity.
What do you do, what do you specialize in / what are you known for?
At Thyme Table, we specialize in upscale and approachable American cuisine, offering food and cocktails in a welcoming setting.
Thyme Catering delivers personalized catering for large scale special events (weddings and corporate events, mostly!) in any location! Its amazing the places that we have managed to set up kitchens in! from fields, to stairwells, to the garages of some private homes!
Trust Coffee Co. serves as Bay Village’s go-to café, offering exceptional coffee, fresh food, and craft cocktails — morning through evening. Across all our brands, we’re known for high-quality ingredients, thoughtful presentation, and an unwavering commitment to exceptional service.
What sets you apart from others?
Our connection to the community and focus on hospitality truly sets us apart. We don’t just serve food or coffee — we create spaces where people feel at home. Our menus balance creativity with comfort, and our teams are trained to treat every guest like family. We are truly passionate about what we do, and our team is commited to the concept that it is our duty to make every guest feel at home with us.
What are you most proud of brand-wise?
We’re most proud of the culture we’ve built — one of warmth, creativity, and connection. Whether it’s someone’s weekly dinner at Thyme Table, a once-in-a-lifetime wedding catered by Thyme Catering, or a daily coffee ritual at Trust Coffee Co., people trust us with their important moments. That loyalty is something we’ve worked hard to earn and nurture.
What do you want our readers to know about your brand, offerings, services, etc.?
We’re more than just restaurants and cafés — we’re places where memories are made. Whether you’re looking for a memorable meal, a perfectly executed event, or a great cup of coffee with friends, our businesses are built around delivering quality experiences with heart. We’re constantly evolving to serve our community better, and we look forward to welcoming you — however you choose to experience us.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Our passion for service goes far beyond simply providing a great meal or a seamless event — it extends to every single person who walks through our doors, whether they’re a guest or a member of our team. We believe that true hospitality starts with our staff feeling welcome, with how we treat and value the people who choose to work with us. Every employee, from the kitchen to the front of house, makes a deliberate choice to bring their talent, energy, and heart to our businesses — and we never take that for granted.
We understand that people have countless options for where they choose to work and where they choose to spend their time and money. It’s a powerful thing when someone chooses us, and we feel a deep sense of responsibility to honor that decision every single day.
Creating an environment where staff feel respected, supported, and empowered is just as important to us as creating unforgettable experiences for our guests. We believe that when you take great care of your team, they take great care of your customers — and that spirit of appreciation and pride radiates throughout Thyme Table, Thyme Catering, and Trust Coffee Co.
It truly is an honor to work alongside such talented, hardworking individuals. They are the heartbeat of everything we do, and our businesses are better because of them. Our passion for service will always be rooted in gratitude — for our guests, our clients, and most of all, for the incredible team that brings our vision to life each and every day.
Contact Info:
- Website: thymextable.com / thymecateringcle.com / trustcoffeeandcocktails.com
- Instagram: @thymextable
