Our Team
Leadership Team
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.
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.
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.
George Hayek
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.
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.
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 Golf Club.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Carrie Dillon
Account Executive
Carrie provides over 25 years of hospitality experience, consisting of more than 200 professional golf tournaments to Par. Leading all aspects of food and beverage service including menu implementation, managing staff, client relations and tournament/vendor liaison. Her passion for catering and attention to detail allows her to create memorable experiences for clients and their guests.
Wendy Merila
Account Executive
For over 25 years, Wendy has worked as the point of contact for clients and internal company teams with regards to food and beverage for the sports and amusement industries. She enjoys building relationships with new clients and managing existing ones. Wendy has had the opportunity to witness firsthand the growth of the game in golf since her first major tournament in 1995.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Blake Andrews
Executive Chef
Chef Blake has over 25 years of experience and many outstanding culinary achievements.
