Dedicated Professional Catering and Event Staff Ready to Serve You

Chef Anthony (Tony) Rea, Co-Owner & Culinary Director.  Chef Rea graduated from Johnson and Wales University with a degree in Culinary Arts. He has been pursuing his passion ever since, with 38 years of award-winning Culinary Arts experience with several prestigious resorts and restaurants throughout the Phoenix metro valley including the honor of teaching future generations of chefs as a Chef Instructor at the Art Institute of Phoenix. Just prior to opening Creations in Cuisine Catering in 1996, Chef Rea held the position of Executive Chef at The Boulders Resort and Golf Club in Scottsdale Arizona – which has been repeatedly recognized as one of the top golf resorts in the world.

Frank Vara, Co-Owner & Operations Manager

Frank Vara has over 38 years of experience in the food and beverage business. Frank came to Phoenix in 1980 from New York. Frank began his career as a chef and then moved to the management side of the industry – managing several restaurants in the valley as well as opening new restaurants for the Café Casino in Seattle, Washington. Mr. Vara’s experience includes implementing catering services at various restaurants under his management.

Carrie Thoreson, Sales & Events Manager

Carrie joined Creations in Cuisine Catering with extensive experience in the food & beverage and event industries. Her most recent experience includes two luxury hotel properties: Sales & Event Coordinator at the Phoenix Marriot Buttes in Tempe and Meeting & Event Coordinator at the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa in Scottsdale.  Her responsibilities included selling, contracting, servicing, and managing all elements of events. Additionally, Carrie had extensive marketing experience as Marketing & Event Manager for the Phoenix Institute of Herbal Medicine and Acupuncture for three years where she created and executed events and marketing campaigns.  Her professionalism and positive attitude have earned her many accolades and awards over the years.

Carrie calls herself a “life enthusiast” who embraces new adventures and enjoys travel, art, music and spending time with her husband and two adorable dogs.

Rick Martinez, Equipment Manager

Rick Martinez started with Creations in Cuisine Catering in 1996 as a part time service captain, cook, bartender and event set up. Since 2003, Rick Martinez has held the position of Warehouse, Rental & Catering Equipment Manager – overseeing the distribution and inventory or all rental equipment and catering delivery vehicle maintenance. His direct responsibility is to insure your party or event rental orders are not only include proper items, but that your event rental items appear in pristine condition upon arrival at your event location.