Team
Therese
CEO & Owner
Therese is the co-founder, owner and boss-lady of Foodgear. She grew up with entrepreneurial parents, so for her it's natural that if something is missing, you build it.
She met Tommy in 2009, and together they opened the shop in Torvehallerne in 2011. Since then, Foodgear has developed into the specialty shop it is today.
In 2023, her husband Tommy suddenly died of a heart attack. Amidst her grief, Therese experienced how much is missing when you lose someone without warning, especially if you have children. This led, among other things, to a citizens' proposal for bereavement leave for parents with children under 18 living at home, which was later adopted, and to a children's book about suddenly losing a parent, which she herself wrote and illustrated.
Besides Foodgear, Therese draws and paints, and she can find a song for any occasion. She has been in a kitchen since she was 2 years old, and loves helping people find the right knife, the right feel in their hand, and the right steel for what they actually make.
Mikael
Shop, Steel Nerd, Sharpening Nerd, Natural Stone Nerd
Mikael sees his work as a craft and doesn't stop until he's personally satisfied with it. He loves to geek out, delve deep, try new things, and push himself to improve.
He is a trained chef, has worked in kitchens on and off for 8 years, and holds a professional bachelor's degree in nutrition and health. At Foodgear, he is responsible for purchasing knives and equipment, single bevel sharpening, restoration, polishing for special tasks, and knife handles.
Good tools are important for Mikael to perform his work as best as possible. He also likes the idea that his craftsmanship helps others, especially chefs, to perform their work better and more easily.
When he's not working, he trains, plays American football, and geeks out on wine, food, heavy metal, and all things Japanese.
Aleksandar "Sasha"
Shop assistant, Fixer, Maker, Sharpener, Tool geek
Sasha is detail-oriented and likes to tinker with things, making them as good as possible. He loves to geek out and learn new methods, whether it's about sharpening, polishing, handicrafts, jewelry making, or woodworking.
He has always been interested in cooking and sharp objects, and as a child, he often helped out in the kitchen. Therefore, working at Foodgear is a pretty good match.
At Foodgear, he's a bit of a jack of all trades. He helps customers find the right knife, sharpens and restores, teaches sharpening courses, and makes custom handles for people who want something truly unique. He is also responsible for purchasing sharpening stones and practical items for the shop.
When he's not at work, he hangs out with his girlfriend and friends, plays computer games, and geeks out as an amateur silversmith.
Aleksander
Store, Knife Enthusiast, Storyteller, SoMe
Aleksander is outgoing, curious, and always has a good joke ready, at least if you ask him.
His interest in knives actually started on his first day at Foodgear, when he got to cut with a Konosuke YS for the first time. It was also the first time he cut with a real knife, and he immediately fell head over heels in love.
Today, he is responsible for SoMe, helps customers in the store, participates in purchasing, and conducts sharpening courses. What he likes best is giving customers an epiphany. Either when they buy their first knife, or when they come in with one idea and leave with something completely different because together they discover what they actually need.
When he's not at Foodgear, he spends time with his family, plays basketball, and listens to either rap or country.
Troels
Shop, sharpening, ensures a good atmosphere, idea man, steel-nerd
Troels values excellent service and matching people with the right knife. Not just something good, but something that suits you and your cooking style.
He is a trained chef and qualified in 2022, having worked at Restaurant Barr, among other places. It was during his apprenticeship that his interest in Japanese knives truly took hold, as he discovered how much proper tools mean in a kitchen.
Today, he assists customers in the shop, sharpens knives, teaches sharpening courses, and helps with some purchasing. His approach to helping is simple: what will the knife be used for, should it be able to patinate or be stainless, and what's the budget? Then he'll present a few good options for you to try out.
When he's not in the shop, he's often at the gym, in the kitchen, or making homemade kimchi.
Kasper
Operations, Webshop, "Hackerman"
Kasper is responsible for online sales at Foodgear and ensures that all operational aspects run smoothly.
He likes it when a company runs like a well-oiled machine with the right systems and the right partners, and he always believes there's something that can be optimized.
He constantly focuses on the customer experience and on making it easier to shop at Foodgear, both in-store and online. For him, it's often about the small details that together make a big difference.
When he's not working, he plays and listens to music, especially Radiohead, spends time with friends, and runs.
Tommy
Founder of Foodgear
Tommy founded Foodgear in 2009. It began with his idea, his passion, and his great love for good craftsmanship, good food, and quality items that could bring joy to everyday life.
In 2011, he and Therese opened the store in Torvehallerne. What they built together was not just a shop, but a place with warmth, personal service, and a genuine joy in sharing knowledge and helping people find the right tools.
Foodgear started broadly, but together Tommy and Therese discovered what would become the heart of the store – Japanese kitchen knives.
In 2023, Tommy suddenly passed away from a cardiac arrest. He is deeply missed. But he is still profoundly present in Foodgear, in spirit, in values, and in everything the store is built upon.
In memory of Tommy.
Deeply missed and always a part of Foodgear.