The Butler Team
Darryl Ray
Darryl is the front man of our organization. He has had many years of experience in the industry starting at 16 in the kitchen. His service career began as a bartender and waiter in Banff, Alberta for 3 1/2 years at both the Banff Springs Hotel and the Banff Park Lodge. Upon arriving in Vancouver, he started as a waiter at the prestigious Brockhouse Restaurant and was quickly promoted to Maitre’d. It was in this position that he was able to implement and fine-tune his management and organizational skills. Through his varied experiences, he has developed high standards for customer service and ensures that these standards are adhered to in all aspects of our business. Today he oversees the day-to-day operations of our business, including marketing, sales, staffing and the coordination of the events to which we cater. His gregarious nature and willingness to chip in to assist, whether dish washing or food prep, has helped to make The Butler Did It Catering Co. the exciting and successful company that it is today.
Jamie Avantini
The Chef – Jamie has grown up in the food industry. His family owned and operated a number of restaurants, which is where he discovered his calling to the kitchen. In 1985, he got a starting position as the acclaimed Monterey Gold and Country Club in Palm Springs, California. From there he held various positions at The Sheraton Harbor Island in San Diego, Sheppards (fine French cuisine), Merlano’s (high-end Italian) and finally, as Banquet Sous Chef at La Costa Spa and Resort, a five star resort in Oceanside California. It was during this time that he attended Culinary School at San Diego Mesa College. He headed to Vancouver in 1991 and was employed by the Alma Street Cafe as the executive Sous Chef. His duties included all menu design, ordering, personnel matters and menu preparation. His next stop was the Westin Bayshore in 1994 as Head Saucier Chef and he was next in line for the prestigious job of Sous Chef had he stayed on. All of his hands on experience and exposure to a variety of cooking techniques allowed Jamie to develop his own style and quality standards. One of those standards is his strong belief in cooking from scratch whenever possible. Since operating the cafe, he has built a very talented and energetic kitchen team that produce amazing culinary ‘features’ each and every day.
Erin Avantini
Erin is the behind-the-scenes person. She is our Controller and is responsible for all the financial transactions, general office supervision, banking and bookings. Her experience comes from many years in the restaurant industry, starting as a waitress, training coordinator, Subway Sandwiches Corporate District Supervisor, Restaurant Manager within the Sheraton Hotels chain and finally, as a Catering Manager of The Brockhouse Restaurant. She completed a Business Management Program at San Diego Mesa College, as well as, extensive comprehensive management training with the Sheraton Corporation. From the beginning, Erin has been a key part of our business not only as Controller, but also assisting in sales, marketing and every other aspect of the business. Since the business was started, she has had two children and now runs the accounting office out of her house. Her visions for the business have always included the importance of superior service, food quality and the fair treatment of people, both customers and staff.
Jason Fullerton – Operations Manager
Heather Byrne – Office Manager/Financial Services
Jill Blackett - Sales and Events
Jessica Tokle- Sales and Events
Valeska Gonzalez- Corporate Sales, BCIT Liaison
Ellie Zerr- Corporate Sales
Katy Lacasse - Logistics Manager
Stephanie Shav - West 2nd Cafe Manager
Zoe Binning - Richmond Operations Manager
Missy Christensen - Events and H/R, Staffing Manager
Sarah Kashani - Emily Carr Cafe Manager
