Thomas M. Price

My name is Thomas Price, and I have spent my entire career in the hospitality industry. I started at age thirteen in Juneau, Alaska, finding a sense of belonging in the restaurant world. Throughout my 45 years, mentorship has been central to my approach - I want others not just to master skills, but to understand their purpose.

In 1999, I opened my own restaurant in Seattle, enjoying ten successful years as an employer and mentor before selling it. To pursue my goal of becoming a Master   Sommelier, I joined The Metropolitan Grill, where I eventually became Head Sommelier in 2009. Earning my Master Sommelier Diploma in 2012 was a milestone - especially as the first African American to pass the exam in its fifty-year history.

Now at Auburn’s Horst Schulze School of Hospitality Management, I teach Hospitality 4600 and serve as Wine Director at 1856 Culinary Residence, overseeing a diverse wine list and collaborating with students on food and wine pairings.

Thank you,

Thomas