Lindsay Thomas
Pappas Bros. Steakhouse | Houston
December 2019
Fresh out of the theater program at Indiana University, 20-year-old Lindsay Thomas arrived in New York City prepared for a career as an actor. In order to make ends meet, she served at Sarabeth’s, Fig & Olive, and Buddakan, gradually building her passion for the industry. In 2010, Thomas moved to Washington, D.C., where she earned a master’s degree in international affairs at the George Washington University and briefly worked at the Department of Public Information for the United Nations.
While between jobs, Thomas served at Arlington, Virginia wine bar Northside Social. When the position of wine director opened up, she followed her gut and overcame her limited experience to successfully managed the bar’s wine program while studying for the WSET levels, eventually advancing through level three. In 2015, Thomas spoke with Master Sommelier Matt Stamp about her career and search for a mentor. Stamp mentioned the conversation to fellow Master Sommelier David Keck, who, turns out, was in need of a general manager at Camerata at Paulie’s. Shortly thereafter, Thomas moved to Houston and got to work with Keck at Camerata.
In 2016, she became an Advanced Sommelier with the Court of Master Sommeliers and landed a sommelier gig at iconic Pappas Bros. Steakhouse—where Thomas has access to 5,600 bottles. She has twice won Cochon’s Somm Smackdown, once won the Ruinart Challenge, and was a national finalist for the Chaine des Rotisseurs Young Sommelier Competition. Thomas also helps organize the Houston Sommelier Association, a group of like-minded industry professionals who foster beverage education and community in the city.
