Caterer Close-Up Archives

Caterer Close-Up: Proof of the Pudding’s Chef Nick Klug

This past year, Nick Klug was named Proof of the Pudding’s Chef of the Year at the company’s annual Senior Leadership Conference. The award was presented by Klug’s son (who, he’s proud to note, has taken an interest in a culinary career), and the recognition carries a personal meaning. At its core, the award reflects his leadership.

Since joining Proof of the Pudding in 2017 as executive sous chef, Klug has risen to senior vice president of culinary, shaping experiences across the country—from PGA Tour and Formula 1 events to major venue openings. His path reflects both range and scale, but more importantly, perspective.

Caterer Close-Up: Mary Rohan of Miami’s Bill Hansen Catering

Black-and-white photos of the beach line the walls of Mary Rohan’s office at Bill Hansen Catering in Miami. They’re a calm counterpoint to the constant motion outside the door—and a clue to the flavor point-of-view she brings to one of the city’s busiest catering operations: Caribbean-inspired cooking with a global lens.

Caterer Close-Up: Jeremy Langemann of Bingemans in Kitchener, Ontario

Before Chef Jeremy Langemann—executive chef of Bingemans Catiner ever set foot in a professional kitchen, his love of food was kindled in the warm, familiar embrace of his grandparents’ home. It was there, in the heart of a Mennonite household, that the first sparks of his culinary passion began to grow.

Caterer Close-Up: Keith Lord of the Strateje Fourteen Consulting Firm

When Keith Lord launched Strateje Fourteen in January 2020—just weeks before the pandemic shuttered the events industry—he knew one thing for certain. After decades running high-volume restaurants and catering operations, he was ready to “give back and teach others.”

Paws-itive Inspiration: Meet Baku, the Golden Retriever

CFE News is profiling catering’s cutest companions—the furry friends who bring joy to hospitality pros both on and off the clock. This week, Valentina Pulido, director of business development at Bill Hansen Catering in Miami, introduces us to Baku—the six-year-old golden retriever who’s equal parts motivator, muse and mood-booster.

Caterer Close-Up: Jordan and Emily Swim of Vestals Catering in Dallas

The story of Dallas-based Vestals Catering begins like many meaningful meals do—with a charming backyard party that grew beyond the picket fence.

In 2008, Jordan and Emily Swim launched Food Creates Community, a grassroots dinner series they hosted in the backyard of their Texas home. With long tables under string lights and seasonal menus thoughtfully curated, the couple invited friends, neighbors and curious guests to slow down and truly savor a meal.