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
Kimberly Brown
Senior Event Planner
Heather Labranche
Café Manager
Jean Sagerian
Consultant
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.
Kimberly Brown
Senior Event Manager
Kimberly Brown’s culinary journey began at the age of 13, spending school vacations working at her sister’s diner. Those formative experiences sparked a lifelong passion for hospitality, propelling her through a variety of roles—from bar back and host to server, bartender, and event coordinator. With over 30 years of experience in the food industry, she has dedicated her career to creating exceptional dining and event experiences.
Most recently, Kimberly served as the General Manager of a thriving full-service restaurant, where she successfully oversaw operations across the dining room, bar, catering, and events. Her expertise in event planning and community organizing makes her a valuable asset to the Simply Delicious Catering team.
At Simply Delicious Catering & Management Services, Kimberly’s commitment to detail and strong supplier relationships ensure that every event is flawlessly executed—on time, within budget, and with breathtaking results that leave a lasting impression on every guest.
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.
