our team

Amanda Navarra, Vice-President
Amanda has been with Presidential Gourmet since 1989. She brings intensity to all aspects of planning and executing events, large or small. She treats each situation with warmth and sincerity, shining a light on the small details that make each event unique. Her ability to remember all the special needs of Presidential Gourmet's ever-growing list of regular guests creates an incredible loyalty from customers spanning seventeen years from offices throughout North America, Europe and Asia. As Vice President, she oversees daily operations, offering her signature enthusiasm to customer's needs. Her impact is felt in close to 60 blue chip venues throughout Toronto.

Christopher Matthews, Executive Chef
Recognizing the need for constantly seeking advanced culinary expression, Presidential Gourmet Fine Catering proudly announces that Christopher Matthews, founder of foodetc., is now fulfilling the role of Executive Chef. Educated at Western University and a graduate of the George Brown School of Culinary Arts, Christopher has turned his love of great food into a reputation noted for a highly innovative approach in the kitchen covering all aspects from food design to final presentation. Christopher brings a strong knowledge of creativity married with a keen grasp of production and large scale logistics, honed through 19 years of experience in his own company and working in partnership with cutting edge kitchens in both Toronto and in Montreal. Through his guest appearances as a featured chef, he is well known to both national television and print media audiences. "Presidential Gourmet is incredibly fortunate to have Christopher’s talented contribution in our kitchen." says President and owner, Peter Carruthers. "Opportunities like this simply do not come along very often in an entire career and I know that Christopher will bring so much refinement, taste and style to our services. I love working with a recognized leader!"

Derrick Hayes, Operations Manager
Derrick joined Presidential Gourmet in the summer of 2005 after an illustrious 21 year professional career in the event rental business, where he specialized in customer care and proved his passion for the hospitality industry. His earned expertise marks him as a major contributor to the logistical planning process that is paramount to every successful party. Derrick’s calm demeanor, knowledge about venues, and professional profile in entertaining circles, as well as his grasp of the inventories in available rentals in our city, make a tremendous contribution to the services of the company.

Graham Carruthers, Production Manager
The friendly voice that you will likely hear when you first contact Presidential Gourmet is that of Graham Carruthers who oversees the logistics of the behind-the-scenes aspect of catering: from initial customer contact to arranging for rentals of the hardware needed for an event to the timely delivery to the site of the food, servers and beverages, Graham's experience and calming hand guides your event to an elegant and successful completion.

Diana Vavliaras, Sales Manager
A powerhouse of creative energy and an unstoppable "can-do" approach best describe the attitudes that have made Diana’s contribution to Presidential Gourmet both invaluable and appreciated by customers and colleagues alike. In her role as the company’s Sales Manager, Diana’s touch is essential in moving projects forward and ensuring that the details of communication are relayed to guests, suppliers, venues, chefs and servers. In addition, her knowledge of entertaining in Toronto is a tremendous asset to Presidential Gourmet’s professional standing in the culinary and event industry.

Tina King, Administrative and Marketing Assistant
Tina joined Presidential Gourmet in September, 2005, offering administrative support to the sales and marketing team. She brings a diverse and dynamic perspective to the organization, as well as a high level of energy and a gracious communication style. In addition, Tina is a professional and award winning photographer whose work is featured in the many event photos found in the Presidential Gourmet photo gallery. An extremely dedicated and artistic individual, Tina is often the first voice to respond to customers when they have contacted Presidential Gourmet.

Glyn Wolpert, Office Manager
Glyn has been with Presidential Gourmet since 1991. She has over two decades of experience in accounting, office management and administration. She is highly regarded for her impeccable efficiency in all accounting and record-keeping matters.

Melinda Filice, Accounts Assistant
The autumn of 2000 saw the addition of Melinda to the administration team in order to round out the support to the production, sales and kitchen teams. Melinda is an extremely focused and talented individual with a specialized hospitality background and an eye for detail.

Brad Widish, Director, Wedding Design & Social Events
Having 14 years experience in restaurants, private clubs and the event industry on all levels makes Brad well versed in what it takes to create lasting memories in front of and behind the scenes. His ability to infuse the important business of planning a flawless event with a sense of easy laughter is truly refreshing. His extensive wedding expertise, with fresh and forward-thinking ideas and professional demeanor, is what makes his clients feel so at ease when going through the logistics of their special day. If you are planning a religious, international or a civil wedding ceremony; whether contact is made locally or from abroad, Brad will customize it to suit you. A passion for wine, food, decor and client centered attention to detail have always been a top priority for Brad. Relax; it is taken care of!