The Origin
He Didn't Study Kitchens. He Worked In Them.
Carlos Tavarez started at the bottom. Dishwasher. 2004. Just like thousands of people who walk into Atlanta restaurants every year looking for a shot. He took that shot seriously.
Over 11 years, he worked his way through every station — prep, line, grill, sauté — absorbing the rhythm of a professional kitchen. The inspection anxiety before a health visit. The compliance scramble when the fire marshal showed up unannounced. The hood cleaning vendors who showed up late, did a partial job, and left no documentation. He saw every version of it.
He rose to Executive Sous Chef at Davio's Atlanta — one of the city's most demanding fine dining kitchens. At that level, you run the kitchen. You own compliance. You're the one who gets the call when something goes wrong.
"I built TruShine because I knew from the inside what restaurants needed and what most vendors weren't delivering. When I walk into a kitchen, I'm not a cleaning guy. I'm someone who worked the line, ran the service, and dealt with every compliance issue you're dealing with right now."
— Carlos Tavarez, Founder & CEO
In 2015, Carlos founded TruShine Services in Atlanta with a single principle: build the compliance company he wished had existed when he was running kitchens. Not a janitorial service that added hood cleaning. A dedicated kitchen compliance partner — built from the inside out.
Career Timeline
From the Line to 8 States
2004
Dishwasher — Atlanta
Started at the entry level in Atlanta's restaurant industry. Learned the rhythm of a commercial kitchen from the ground up.
2004–2010
Line Cook → Sous Chef
Worked through multiple kitchens across Atlanta. Built technical skills in every station. Earned first supervisory role as Sous Chef.
2010–2015
Executive Sous Chef — Davio's Atlanta
Reached the #2 kitchen leadership role at one of Atlanta's premier fine dining establishments. Responsible for operations, compliance, vendor management, and team development.
2015
Founded TruShine Services
Launched TruShine in Atlanta with a single truck and a clear focus: NFPA 96 compliant hood cleaning with documentation that actually holds up to inspection.
2018–2020
Stadium-Scale Operations
Secured compliance contract for a 71,000-seat NFL stadium in Atlanta. Added fire suppression, grease trap, and oil filtration divisions.
2021–2024
Multi-State Expansion
Expanded into NC, SC, TN, FL, VA, and AL. Added Delaware North and Cook Out (176 locations) as anchor clients. Crossed 500 managed locations.
2025–2026
Platform Launch — 8 States
Launched the Kitchen Compliance Management Platform. Real-time dashboard, consolidated invoicing, and coordinated scheduling across the full Southeast portfolio.
