The Gold Chef Services and Certo Foods - L.A. Story is an interesting microcosm of "The American Dream." From humble beginnings more than 30 years ago, this once local food and vending company adopted a name change and management style that in 1991 took the industry by surprise.

The original company started as a vending business in 1967. In 1991 the company teamed up with Dominic Certo, a former professional athlete and coach. Certo, once a marketing executive with ARA and The Wood Company, had also written books and hosted seminars to business leaders throughout the country. 

The new marketing style, married to a strong commitment of customer service with high marketing ideals, motored L.A. to remarkable growth. From just a million dollars in sales in 1991, it leaped to over 12 million dollars in 1994. L.A. acquired several top national corporations in the management of their dining and vending services in seven states, while maintaining a high level of community involvement. That type of activity led to the company being named "Outstanding Vendor of the Year" in "The Vending Times" for two consecutive years, and winning accolades from The White House for their Presidential service.  Recently Gold Chef Services acquired all assets and trademarks of The Certo Group including their L.A. Café, L.A. Foods, The Bagel Club, Certo Foods and 5th Ave. Newsbar brands.