The Team behind Donovan’s Dish

The most important ingredient
of a great catering company

At Donovan’s Dish, hospitality is our core value. Our team is made up of people who believe every event, every guest, and every detail deserves care. From the chefs who craft each dish to the service staff who greet your guests with a smile, every member of our team shares one mission: to make your celebration feel effortless, welcoming, and unforgettable.

We show up early, stay attentive, and handle the details you shouldn’t have to think about. It’s thoughtful service, genuine warmth, and a commitment to excellence, all working together to create the kind of experience you and your guests will remember long after the last plate is cleared.

Owner, Founder

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Jill Donovan

Jill Donovan founded Donovan’s Dish with her late husband Chef TJ Donovan, with a simple belief: great food is only part of what makes an event meaningful. True hospitality lies in how people are cared for, how seamlessly a day unfolds, and how supported hosts feel throughout the experience.
That belief shaped a different approach, one rooted in thoughtful service, genuine hospitality, and food made with intention. What began as a small catering company grew organically through trust, word of mouth, and a shared commitment to doing things the right way.
Along the way, Donovan’s Dish became known not just for scratch-made cuisine, but for bringing calm and ease to life’s most meaningful moments, from weddings and celebrations to gatherings both joyful and tender.
Today, Jill continues to lead with heart, honoring the moments that matter most and creating food-driven experiences that allow people to slow down, connect, and feel truly taken care of.

Leadership

Christine Sossi

Director of Operations

Christine believes hospitality only works when it’s built with intention. Too often, great food is undermined by chaos behind the scenes, and the experience suffers.
That belief drives how she leads. Christine is passionate about creating systems that feel seamless, supporting teams with clarity, and ensuring every detail is handled with care so clients never have to think twice.
Along the way, she has helped shape Donovan’s Dish into a well-run, people-first operation where excellence feels effortless.
Her focus is simple: when everything runs smoothly, people are free to be present.

Spencer Carter

Culinary Director

Spencer believes food sets the tone for every gathering. Too often, menus are treated as an afterthought rather than the foundation of the experience.
That philosophy guides his work as Culinary Director, where he blends creativity with craftsmanship to design menus that feel intentional, elevated, and deeply rooted in flavor.
Along the way, Spencer has helped define the culinary identity of Donovan’s Dish, ensuring every plate not only raises the standard, but gives each event its own character and lasting impression.

Culinary

Chef Kenn Merritt

Executive Chef ~ Dish to Door

Chef Bo Peterson

Executive Chef ~ Catering

Chef Felipe Carrada

Kitchen Manager, Sous Chef

Chef Colin Bowles

Sous Chef

Chef Ed Park

Sous Chef

Chef Matthew Wrye

Sous Chef

Chef Eddie White

Sous Chef

Suzanne Johnston

Culinary Prep Assistant

Jaime Ayala

Culinary Prep Assistant

Alba Lopez Alvarado

Culinary Prep Assistant

Esly Calderón

Culinary Prep Assistant

Courtney Carrington

Culinary Prep Assistant

Treyvond Merritt

Culinary Prep Assistant

Jose Garcia Cervantes

Culinary Prep Assistant

Fidel Vasquez

Dishwasher

Wedding & Event Partners

Ashley Valdes

Senior Event & Wedding Partner

Colleen Sheldon

Event & Wedding Partner

Riley Foit

Client Relations Manager

Emma Anderson

Client Relations Manager

Danny Czamara

Event Production Manager

Jason Feore

Senior Event Manager

April Clinard

Event Manager

Miranda Blizzard

Event Manager

Zoey Jones

Event Manager

Dish to Door

Violetta Plute

Take Out Market Assistant Manager

Jerilyn Paolino

Production Supervisor

Ethan Sabre

Production Assistant

Carmen Tedino

Delivery Team Member

Gabe Lee

Delivery Team Member

Debbie Stephenson

Market Associate

Peyton Herring

Market Associate

Cindy Black

Market Associate

Ruth O’mealia

Market Associate

Sandy Leonard

Market Associate

Administrative

Sandy Wilson

Payroll & Benefits Administrator

Leah Mrozek

Marketing