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Meet The Team

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Catherine Cavner

Chief Executive Officer

 

With over 25 years of national golf tournament management experience, Catherine's exceptional standards and attention to detail brought her to create the Par Caterers service when she saw a need to appease hospitality sponsors unsatisfied with previous vendors. "Providing creative and flavorful dishes on a grand scale is just the first step. If you don't present it with polished service and fashion it with a personal touch, it is just not worth the Sponsor's time." Catherine oversees all tournament catered events and what is offered at The Royal Golf Club in Lake Elmo, MN, which includes Arnie's Restaurant and 70+ wedding receptions/events a year.

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Todd Hanson

Chief Operating Officer

Todd is the main contact with all vendors and is responsible for set-up, execution and tear-down of each event.  With over 20 years of professional golf tournament catering experience, he has led the food and beverage operations at 300 events across North America.

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George Heyek

Chief Financial Officer

George oversees every aspect of financial management for Par's Tournament Events and F/B at The Royal Golf Club & Arnie’s Restaurant in Minnesota. He brings more than three decades of experience in tax planning, payroll solutions, accounting services and human capital management to our operation.

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Kevin O'Brien  

Director of Human Resources

 

Kevin leads the charge in onboarding talent nationwide, ensuring a smooth transition for new hires. He nurtures strong employee relationships, fostering open dialogue between management and staff, while diligently managing HR policies to uphold compliance with laws and regulations.

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Stephanie Lee  

Communications Coordinator

 

With over 20 years of experience in writing, editing, publishing, photojournalism and graphic design, Stephanie enjoys providing a variety of marketing, social media and corporate communications that celebrate Par's success on both the tournament side and at the Royal Club/Arnie's.

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Our Tournament Team

Our national catering team oversees corporate hospitality and/or concessions for 12 annual professional golf tournaments hosted by the PGA and USGA. They also provide upscale executive hospitality for multiple private homes during The Masters Week in Augusta, Georgia.

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Jake DuFour  

Director of Operations

 

Jake is responsible for detailed onsite operations.  He has over 7 years of experience in the golf hospitality industry at over 75 events across all professional golf tours.

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David Kramer

Operations

David is responsible for detailed onsite operations.  He has over 7 years of experience in the golf hospitality industry at over 75 events across all professional golf tours.

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Chad LaChapelle

Executive Chef

 

A third-generation chef, Chad has over 20 years in fine dining and hospitality with 16 years in the golf industry. As Lead Chef for over 80 golf events, his resume includes 4-US Men’s Open (1895 Club), Presidents Cup, Ryder Cup, US Senior Women’s Open and The Players. He looks forward to what he can do for your event.

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Carrie Dillon

Account Executive

Carrie is proficient in all hospitality needs and client management. She has worked with Todd in various capacities for over 15 years.  In addition to her hospitality catering experience, she has previous golf tournament management experience and has been involved in over 200 professional events in various roles.

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Wendy Merila

Account Executive

Wendy is proficient in all hospitality needs and client management. She has worked with Todd in various capacities for over 15 years.  In addition to her hospitality catering experience, she has previous golf tournament management experience and has been involved in over 200 professional events in various roles.

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Linda Mason

Accountant

 

With over 25 years' experience, Linda is responsible for all financial transactions, providing us with accurate quantitative information on financial position, liquidity and cash flows, while ensuring we're compliant with all tax regulations.

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Shelby Kieffer

Staffing Coordinator

 

Shelby combines her experience on both the tournament and hospitality sides of the golf industry to manage Par's staffing logistics. With over a decade of experience, Shelby helps ensure Par is a welcoming and premier experience for our clients.

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Our Minnesota Team

Par Caterers is the official food and beverage provider for The Royal Golf Club and Arnie's/Annika's Restaurants in Lake Elmo, Minnesota. Our experienced team of chefs and event planners are dedicated to creating memorable experiences that leave a lasting impression on every guest. This includes over 70 weddings, corporate meetings and parties each year, plus F/B hospitality for the Royal's multiple golf tournaments and men/women golf leagues. Arnie's Restaurant offers lunch and dinner 5 days a week and Annika's Sandwich Shop/Bar Cart services visitors to the course every day.

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Julia Schneider

Food & Beverage Manager

 

Julia brings over 7 years of experience from multiple golf clubs throughout the Twin Cities area. With her significant experience, leadership and passion, she provides next-level service and comfort to all who dine at Arnie's & Annika's. Julia oversees all aspects of our clients' dining experience, including menu development, quality control, staff management, budgeting, and customer satisfaction. 

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Meredith Wieland

Event Sales Director

 

Meredith understands the importance of a successful event and takes pride in her ability to work collaboratively with our clients to ensure their vision is brought to life. She oversees all aspects of our wedding venue and brings in new business via corporate retreats and holiday parties.

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Annie Baas

Event Manager

 

Annie ensures that booked events run smoothly from the initial tour with prospective guests until day of service. Her previous years in the insurance industry included planning corporate events and employee onboarding and retention services.

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Christian Ticarro

Executive Chef

 

Chef Christian has over 25 years of experience and many outstanding culinary achievements, such as: participating in the "Great Regional Chefs of America Series" at the prestigious James Beard House, NYC five times; demonstrations at one of the best cooking schools in the country-The French Culinary Institute; and cooking for high profile guests that include a former US President and Governor of Minnesota. He finds joy in finessing his culinary style at the Royal Golf Club with creative specials at Arnie's and seasonal wine dinners. 

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Blake Andrews

Sous Chef

 

Chef Blake has over 25 years of experience and many outstanding culinary achievements

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Coming Soon

Restaurant Manager

 

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