Thomas, Julia & Waal

this is us!

ZOMM began as a passionate project at the Meilerhof in Reith near Seefeld, which opened in 2018. That same year, Julia joined the team professionally—not only as a friend, but as a vital part of the ZOMM family. Thomas and Waal have known each other since 2006, when they worked together at the renowned restaurant “de Librije” in the Netherlands. Their shared vision of creating honest yet creative cuisine using regional and sustainable ingredients laid the foundation for ZOMM.

During its time at the Meilerhof, ZOMM. was already able to celebrate several successes. In addition to participating in the TV show “Mein Lokal, Dein Lokal” and being featured in the culinary podcast “Kaiser und Schmarrn”, the restaurant was highlighted in numerous articles and received many positive reviews from our beloved guests – thank you for that. ZOMM’s cuisine was also praised by the widely read food blog Sternefresser.

With the move to Seefeld in 2023, ZOMM aims to build on its previous successes and continue to delight guests with a unique blend of austrian hospitality, modern comfort, and passionate culinary artistry.

Thomas Kluckner – the organiszer

Thomas is our organizer, ensuring that everything runs smoothly in and around the house. In the kitchen, he’s our expert for traditional Austrian cuisine. His sauces, soups, and classic tavern dishes are legendary — as his friend, chef Lukas Mraz, once put it: “I’d travel far for Thomas’s goulash.”

Thomas completed a traditional culinary apprenticeship in Zirl before spending 25 years abroad to refine his skills. His journey took him to the United States, Canada, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Portugal, Saipan, France, Vienna, and Spain. These international experiences shaped him both personally and professionally, granting him deep expertise and exceptional craftsmanship.
With his calm and easygoing nature, Thomas is a true rock in the storm. His ability to connect with people makes him a valued point of contact for both guests and team members. And he’s not just talented in the kitchen — give him a few planks, a hammer, and some nails, and he’ll build you a house! 

Julia Lackner – the welcoming face

Julia grew up in her family’s hospitality business and attended hotel management school. At the young age of 21, she became a certified sommelier and gained valuable experience across various sectors of the gastronomy world — from an upscale nightclub on Sylt to Döllerer’s Genusswelt under Andreas Döllerer. A highlight of her career was working for Jamie Oliver in Amsterdam, where she also gained deep insights into international cuisine. Julia knows the subtleties of the hospitality industry and brings her expertise to the business with heartfelt dedication and passion.

As a hostess with heart and soul, Julia ensures that every guest feels safe, welcome, and truly cared for. She loves engaging in conversation and enjoys sharing a glass of wine or two with her guests. With a keen eye for detail, she shapes the atmosphere of the house, paying attention to every little element that makes a stay special. Her calm presence and sense of harmony create a seamless experience — not only for the guests, but also for the entire team.

In addition to looking after guests and team members, Julia also manages the website, bookkeeping, and all technical matters. She recently married Thomas, and together they are proud dog parents to Lola — who has become an integral part of ZOMM. and has even received her own guest reviews!

Waal Sterneberg – the creatice one

Waal is the creative heart of the team, bringing a unique blend of international influences to ZOMM’s kitchen. Raised in a rather unconventional family for a chef — his mother a teacher, his father a graphic designer — Waal found his way into cooking thanks to his mother, whose kitchen didn’t exactly inspire him. That lack of culinary spark ignited his desire to do better and pursue his passion for cooking.

He began his culinary career with an apprenticeship at the renowned restaurant “de Librije” in Zwolle, and later worked in top establishments such as “Mraz & Sohn” in Vienna and “Cordobar” in Berlin. He also played a key role in shaping the menu at Haya Molcho’s restaurant in Vienna, which further fueled his creativity. His journey continued through New Zealand and the Hotel Central in Sölden, where his love for the mountains was rekindled. His travels to Japan and his Indonesian heritage have also left a lasting mark on his cooking style.

Waal is a true all-rounder in the kitchen — mastering the art of fermentation, pickling, and possessing a remarkable instinct for flavor combinations. Beyond his passion for cooking, he loves nature and the mountains. Together with his family, he enjoys exploring the most beautiful hiking trails and happily shares his favorite routes with our guests. His deep connection to nature is reflected in his fresh and creative dishes.

This is us - we are ZOMM