Our Team
The faces behind your most memorable events
We’re a close-knit team of culinary pros, event planners, and behind-the-scenes magic-makers who genuinely love what we do. With decades of experience and a shared passion for creating meaningful moments, we bring care, creativity, and a personal touch to every event, making sure it’s as seamless as it is unforgettable.
John Mauro
Owner
Denise Kapulka-Cariglia
Co-Owner
Zack Mauro
Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Gary Menard
Executive Chef
Michael Murphy
Executive Chef
Cindy Card
Sales/Event Coordinator
Heather Labranche
Café Manager
Jean Sagerian
Consultant
Brandon Sawyer
Event Planning Manager
John Mauro
Owner
John Mauro has a passion for crafting unforgettable dining experiences. Trained at the prestigious Johnson & Wales University, his culinary career took off as the proud owner of Johnny M’s Restaurant, a beloved culinary gem. He later served as the Director of Food Services for Compass Corporation, where he mastered the art of managing large-scale operations while upholding the highest quality standards.
John’s dedication to excellence has earned him national recognition, including participation on Food Network Stars, where he showcased his talents to a wide audience. As the founder of Simply Delicious Catering and co-owner of Elms Café, he continues to push culinary boundaries while delivering exceptional service.
Beyond the kitchen, John is deeply committed to making a difference. As a board member of the National Ataxia Foundation, he has been honored with the Myra Kraft Community MVP Award and recognized as a Rare Disease Difference Maker. His leadership extends beyond the culinary world, leaving a lasting impact in both hospitality and advocacy.
Denise Kapulka-Cariglia
Co-Owner
With over 25 years of experience in sales and a deep-rooted passion for the culinary industry, Denise Kapulka-Cariglia plays a pivotal role as co-owner of Simply Delicious Catering and Elms Café. She holds a culinary degree, a degree in Food & Beverage Management from Newbury College, and a certification in event planning.
Denise is a dedicated advocate for female entrepreneurs. As co-founder of the Business Forward Females Networking Group, she helps empower women in business by fostering networking opportunities and sharing resources. Additionally, she serves on the board of the Corridor Nine Chamber of Commerce, actively supporting local business growth.
Her ability to blend business expertise with an eye for detail ensures that every event and dining experience curated by Simply Delicious Catering exceeds expectations. Denise’s dedication to customer satisfaction makes her a trusted leader in the industry.
Zack Mauro
Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Zack Mauro has been with the Simply Delicious team since he was just 16 years old. He began his journey as a server and gradually expanded his skills by taking on roles as a cook and bartender. Through years of hands-on experience and an unwavering commitment to the team, Zack now serves as the company’s Chief Financial Officer.
His dedication to the growth and success of Simply Delicious Catering is evident in everything he does. Zack’s deep understanding of the business and his ability to lead with both strategy and heart make him a truly valuable asset to the team.
Gary Menard
Executive Chef
Gary Menard’s culinary career began in 1983 with a summer job at the Publick House in Sturbridge, MA. What started as a temporary position quickly evolved into a lifelong passion. Working his way up from dishwasher to mastering stations like garde manger, line, sauté, grill, and rounds cook, Gary had the privilege of training under renowned chefs, including Tsukasi Osaki and Dominic Gerhaty.
His expertise led him to the role of Executive Chef at the DCU Center in Worcester, where he managed catering for massive events, serving up to 5,000 guests. He later brought his talents to the Boston Convention Center before ultimately returning to his roots in Central Massachusetts.
At Simply Delicious Catering, Gary combines his love for bold, exotic flavors with his mastery of New England classics, ensuring every dish is both innovative and deeply satisfying.
Michael Murphy
Executive Chef
Michael Murphy is an accomplished Executive Chef with a proven track record in culinary operations and innovative menu development. He most recently served as Executive Chef at The Webster House in Worcester, MA, where he led back-of-house operations, created seasonal menus, managed staff, and orchestrated monthly wine dinners.
Previously, he was Executive Sous Chef at Sterling National Country Club, where he elevated both everyday dining and large-scale banquets. His background also includes serving as Head Chef at The Hillside School, where he emphasized nutritious, balanced meals while mentoring student volunteers.
Michael began his culinary journey as a Sous Chef at The Olde Post Office Pub and holds a Culinary Arts degree from Johnson & Wales University. His leadership, creativity, and commitment to excellence make him a vital part of the Simply Delicious Catering team.
Brandon Sawyer
Event Planning Manager
With more than 14 years of experience in the restaurant and hospitality industry, Brandon brings a deep, hands-on understanding of what it takes to create exceptional events. He began his career in the kitchen, where his appreciation for culinary artistry and guest experience quickly took root.
After transitioning to the front of house, Brandon rose from busser to general manager within a prominent Connecticut restaurant group, helping to launch two new restaurant locations. It was during this time that he discovered his true passion—creating memorable, personalized events.
Brandon later joined Ruth’s Chris Steak House, where he refined his expertise in private dining sales, event coordination, and guest relations. Now, as Event Planning Manager at Simply Delicious Catering, he blends his operational know-how, creative eye, and client-first approach to deliver thoughtful, customized hospitality that makes every occasion unforgettable.
Cindy Card
Sales/Event Coordinator
With more than 30 years in the restaurant industry, Cindy brings a wealth of experience and an unmatched attention to detail to every event she manages. Before joining Simply Delicious Catering, she spent nearly a decade as an Event Planner at Struck Catering in Worcester, MA, where she coordinated everything from intimate gatherings to large-scale celebrations.
Known for her organization, creativity, and calm under pressure, Cindy excels at turning client visions into seamless, memorable experiences. Her expertise spans all aspects of event planning—from client consultations and logistics to vendor coordination and on-site management. Passionate about delivering excellence, she takes pride in ensuring every event runs smoothly from start to finish.
Heather Labranche
Café Manager
Heather Labranche began her career at Mohegan Sun, thriving in a fast-paced team environment where customer service was always her top priority. She later became General Manager at Goody’s, where she led a dedicated team and oversaw key business operations including hiring, training, inventory, and creative marketing—always with a focus on customer satisfaction.
Heather eventually joined Simply Delicious and Elms Café, where her commitment to high-quality service and strong work ethic quickly earned her the role of Café Manager. She continues to bring energy, excellence, and leadership to the front of house every day.
Jean Sagerian
Consultant
Jean Sagerian brings a wealth of corporate and event management experience to Simply Delicious Catering. After years in the corporate world with TJX, she transitioned into catering, dedicating a decade to Loaves & Fishes as an event manager. When Simply Delicious Catering acquired Loaves & Fishes, Jean remained with the company, rising to lead the event management team.
Though now retired, Jean continues to play a vital role as a consultant, offering her extensive knowledge and strategic insights to help shape the company’s growth. Her deep industry expertise and unwavering commitment make her a valued advisor to the Simply Delicious Catering team.
