Archives: Founders

CO-FOUNDER & HEAD OF SUPPORT
Before co-founding Hanna Brothers, Jim Hanna followed his dream of studying business and playing football at the University of Louisville, eventually signing with the New Orleans Saints. After football, Jim learned his culinary skills by working with his brother Joe for 10 years on film catering locations and feeding thousands of cast and crew members during that time. As it turned out, Jim’s competitive spirit was the perfect entrepreneurial match for his Executive Chef brother, Joe. In 1997, they founded Hanna Brothers where Jim leads the administrative, finance, and support functions. Today, they create and hold the food and operational standards for which Hanna Brothers is known for around the world. The brothers challenge each other to create and serve amazing meals everyday by building a world-class organization that can deliver great food anywhere, any time to any crowd.

A Journey of Passion and Perseverance

Joe Hanna’s love for great food and hospitality led him to the culinary world, where he started his career in restaurants and catering. His passion for creating memorable dining experiences quickly set him apart.

A turning point came when production companies, dining at his restaurant, recognized his talent. Impressed by his ability to deliver both outstanding food and reliable service, they began inviting Joe to cater for film sets. He soon became a trusted name in the industry, traveling across the country to perfect a winning combination of delicious meals and seamless service tailored for film productions.

In 1996, Joe partnered with his brother, Jim, to launch Hanna Brothers Motion Picture & Event Catering. What started as a film catering company has since grown to include disaster relief catering, corporate dining services, Micro-Market Solutions, and restaurant operations. Today, under Joe’s leadership, Hanna Brothers’ team of executive chefs serves thousands of meals every day.

Hanna Brothers’ growth accelerated when Joe and Jim invested in mobile kitchen equipment, even though their first units needed serious repairs. Their determination and hard work paid off as they successfully completed every job on time and within budget. Their unwavering commitment to quality and service became their trademark, attracting the attention of top industry professionals.

In 2004, seeing the growing demand in Louisiana’s film industry, they opened a facility in Slidell, LA. As their reputation grew, they expanded their fleet of mobile kitchens and assembled a strong team to support their vision. In 2014, they further expanded by opening a state-of-the-art location in Fayetteville, GA, positioning Hanna Brothers at the heart of Georgia’s booming film industry.

From humble beginnings to becoming a leader in film and corporate catering, Joe Hanna, alongside his brother Jim, has built a lasting legacy—one defined by exceptional food, dedicated service, and an unyielding passion for hospitality.