Our Team
PRINCIPLES ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES TO GO ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES
PRINCIPLES
Harriet Dopkin, PARTNER/PRESIDENT
Extension x1322 / hdopkin@classiccatering.com
Cooking since she was eight years old, Harriet’s life has been a culinary adventure unto itself. After pursuing a degree in the Classics at St. Johns, she went on to study the culinary arts in both the United States and Japan. Backed by an ever-expanding library of cookbooks, great food reads and collaborations with international friends, Harriet loves to introduce new flavors, cooking techniques and producers to Classic’s kitchen. She also enjoys gardening, experimenting with different heirloom vegetables and sharing them with family and friends as well as working with area children in Classic’s cooking camp and the Days of Taste ® food discovery program.
Edward Dopkin, PARTNER/VICE PRESIDENT FINANCE
Extension x1312 / edopkin@classiccatering.com
Eddie has been with Classic since its inception. His organization skills and logistical expertise have been instrumental to the company’s success. And that’s not just our humble opinion — the Restaurant Association of Maryland has recognized him as Restaurateur of the Year. A leader both inside and outside of the company walls, Eddie serves on the board of Visit Baltimore, the Maryland chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and the Restaurant Association of Maryland.
Larry Frank, PARTNER/VICE PRESIDENT CATERING
Extension x1321 / lfrank@classiccatering.com
Larry has worked in the food and beverage industry since he was 11 years old and brings a wealth of knowledge to his role at Classic. He began working in his uncle’s restaurant at an early age and landed his first catering job at the Carousel Hotel in Ocean City during summer breaks from college. In 1983, Larry joined the catering department at the Hyatt Regency Baltimore and finished his career there as the Director of Catering and Convention Services. Today, Larry oversees the full-service sales and event management teams at The Classic Catering People, where he has been a partner for 16 years. He appreciates the talent he is surrounded by and loves that every day brings a different experience, as well as new and familiar faces to work alongside. The diversity of the parties Classic plans – from the party logistics and menu development to the overall experience – is a point of great pride and satisfaction. Larry enjoys catering for the children and grandchildren of his long-time clients. Family has always been a priority for Larry and is whom he spends his free time with.
Gail Kaplan, PARTNER/VICE PRESIDENT SPECIAL EVENTS
Extension x1409 / gkaplan@classiccatering.com
As one of Classic’s founding partners, Gail has acted as rainmaker, salesperson, public relations representative and more. She is especially proud of her efforts as a client advocate — a role that has come to define the Classic mindset. Gail enjoys helping her clients celebrate important milestones and create memories that will last forever. And even after decades of choreographing special moments, she says that every event still feels like her first.
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES
Kelly Girard, FULL SERVICE CATERING
Extension x1356 / kgirard@classiccatering.com
Kelly strives to deliver a party that exceeds every wish, and treasures her relationships with her clients. One client referred to her as “my hero,” and the Baltimore Ravens praised her for a “masterful job.” Kelly’s favorite Classic experience was catering for the network media at the 2008 Presidential inauguration — a fitting assignment for a newsworthy career.
Jon Lindenauer, MENU AND CULINARY CONSULTANT
Extension x1453 / jlindenauer@classiccatering.com
Bon Appétit Magazine. The Food Network’s “Iron Chef.” And four-star restaurants like Jean-Georges and Les Célebrites. These are just a few of the noteworthy names on world-renowned chef and food and wine expert Jon Lindenauer’s résumé. Jon returns to The Classic Catering People, bringing more than 15 years of culinary experience to his role. He will be intimately involved in daily operations, including client consultations, menu design food preparation and event execution.He is excited to translate his experience and creativity into memorable Classic dishes that can satisfy even the most sophisticated palates. To say we’re thrilled to have him back is an understatement at best. No autographs, please!
Eileen Miles, FULL SERVICE CATERING
Extension x1326 / Emiles@classiccatering.com
Eileen says catering is in her DNA. She was stuffing chickens in the family catering kitchen by the time she was 10 years old. At Classic, Eileen loves working with her clients and counts her initial meeting with the company’s founders among her most memorable moments. More than 20 years later, Eileen has also become a valued member of our catering family.
Lynn Piette, FULL SERVICE CATERING
Extension x1352 / lpiette@classiccatering.com
As our resident wedding specialist, Lynn prides herself on listening skills and special rapport with brides. While planning her own daughter’s wedding was her most memorable Classic event, Lynn treats all of her clients like family. Which explains why her corporate and wedding clients alike use words like “amazing” and “incredible” to describe her.
Bobby Pressman, FULL SERVICE CATERING
Extension x1317 / bpressman@classiccatering.com
For over two decades, clients have been praising Bobby’s results-oriented focus as well as attention to detail, infinite patience and responsiveness. He credits the amazing and talented support team at The Classic Catering People. All we know is that when his clients say things like “Thanks for a phenomenal job” and “He took a ton of stress off my shoulders,” we all look good.
Alan Pressman, FULL SERVICE CATERING
Extension x1318 /apressman@classiccatering.com
Born and raised in Baltimore, Alan comes from a family of caterers. He loves planning big events and his parties have been described as “fabulous” and “couldn’t have been better.” He has also proven to be quite the logistical miracle worker — kind of like the MacGyver of catering.
Nicole Van Natta, FULL SERVICE CATERING
Extension x1410 / nvannatta@classiccatering.com
When Nicole received rave reviews for her very first event, she knew she had found her calling. Seeing the final product of all her work is still the favorite part of her job. For that satisfaction, she’s even willing to risk the occupational hazard of a chocolate allergy.
Terri Young, FULL SERVICE CATERING
Extension x1319 / tyoung@classiccatering.com
As the former owner and chef of a bed and breakfast with a 70-seat restaurant, Terri has both great experience and a passion for all things culinary. Her ability to transform a room is legendary, and she always brings the latest innovations in food and drink to her events. We’ll toast to that!
CLASSIC TO GO ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES
Ellen Brook, TO GO CATERING
Extension 1313 / ebrook@classiccatering.com
Ellen loves entertaining and knows she’s done a great job when her clients feel the same way. Her favorite Classic moment is Thanksgiving morning, when the kitchen is packed with people preparing enormous amounts of food. We’re just thankful she’s one of them.
Amy Kuntz, Classic To Go
Extension x1420 / akuntz@classiccatering.com
Planning menus has always been one of Amy’s passions. Her friends often ask her, “What should I serve at this party?” or “How should I prepare the chicken?” After staying at home with her daughters while they were young, Amy decided to go back to work. Not only do her friends still call her for menu suggestions and recipes, so do her countless clients.
Greg Mason, TO GO CATERING
Extension 1324 / gmason@classiccatering.com
There’s nothing Greg would rather do than throw a party. And at Classic, he’s made a pretty impressive career of it. If he couldn’t plan parties for a living, he’d like to travel. But for now, his clients are hoping Greg stays right where he is.
Shirley Ravitz, TO GO CATERING
Extension 1316 / sravitz@classiccatering.com
Shirley is one of Classic’s most experienced catering professionals. Her favorite part of her job is working with clients. And because she’s always upbeat and a total team player, we love working with Shirley.
Jackie Shugarman, TO GO CATERING
Extension 1358 / jshugarman@classiccatering.com
Jackie loves working with her clients of all ages. Her favorite Classic experience to date has been helping the children at Cooking Camp. As for her personal recipe for success, Jackie credits her patience and her willingness to bend over backwards to create a great event.
