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.

Ben Lewis, Executive Chef
A passionate advocate of the slow food movement, Ben Lewis learned the culinary arts at a young age, graduating with recognition from the renowned Stratford Chef’s School in Stratford, Ontario. Ben harbours a love and respect towards food and and its’ relationship with sustainable farming and responsible production. The marriage of design aesthetics and nutrition along with local sourcing of quality local produce, embody the philosophy that Ben brings to the kitchen and to the table. In addition, Ben has a firm foundation in special event catering, having worked on Presidential Gourmet celebrations over the past several years. Hard work, vision and expertise are the hallmarks of Ben Lewis’ ethic.

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.

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.

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.

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!

Gary Livingstone, Sales & Event Consultant
Gary joins the Presidential team after eight years on the Toronto catering scene where he has worked on events social and corporate with some of the city’s best known names. Whether your event is small or large, Gary brings an enthusiasm for all things culinary and a stylish, generous approach to the planning process. His easy-going yet highly professional attitude will allow you to rest easy, knowing every detail has been attended to. On the day of your event his calm and can-do attitude will bring those preparations to seamless results for you and for your guests. Starting with an undergraduate degree in French Language and Literature from the University of Toronto, Gary also attained the Post-Degree Certificate in Public Relations from Humber College in Toronto. He subsequently married the event planning aspect of that program with experience gained in various Toronto restaurants to enter the dynamic world of catering and special event planning. Apart from this experience, Gary has travelled extensively in Europe, to Australia, the Middle East, South America and throughout North America – enjoying each gastronomic culture along the way and the great hospitality that the sharing of a fine or simple meal sparks in each of us.

Jaleesa Navarra, Sales Co-ordinator
A fresh, young perspective to the Presidential Gourmet team is brought by Jaleesa's highly motivated work ethic and outgoing personality. Before graduation from Durham College in Event Planning in April of 2007, Jaleesa gained valuable hands-on experience working on-site in the "real world" of catering, providing her with a strong understanding of Presidential's commitment to outstanding customer service. Jaleesa contributes her skills to Presidential's first-rate customer experience services and assists in the building of lasting relationships with the company's many contacts.

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.