OUR TEAM
Chef Anthony (Tony) Rea | Co-Owner & Director of Culinary Operations
Chef Rea holds a degree in the Culinary Arts with Johnson and Wales University. Prior to opening Creations in Cuisine Catering, Chef Rea has held several positions with some of the valleys most prestigious restaurants and resorts including 10 years as the Executive Chef at The Boulders Resort and Golf Club in Carefree Arizona and as Chef Instructor at the Art Institute of Phoenix. In 2016, Chef Rea founded our sister company PASTA REA specializing in fresh pasta, soups, sauces and family style meals and Italian specialties. Chef Rea relies on his 46 years in the food and beverage industry for every catered event delivering unsurpassed customer service and cuisine.
Frank Vara | Co-Owner & Director of Business Operations
Through 45 years in the food and beverage industry, Frank Vara has worked across the country from New York to Phoenix. Mr. Vara began his career as a chef and then transitioned to management roles within the industry. These positions include managing several restaurants in the valley and opening new restaurants for the Cafe Casino in Seattle, Washington. Mr. Vara began implementing catering services at various restaurants under his management before starting Creations in Cuisine Catering with his childhood friend Chef Tony Rea.
Amber McBain | Manager of Event Sales
Amber is Creations in Cuisine Catering’s manager of event sales; bringing to every event, her attention to detail, helpful nature, and extensive knowledge in live events. Amber joined the Creations in Cuisine Catering team in 2018, with 2 decades of experience in the food & beverage industry, including 10 years of event catering from hotels and venues across the southwest. Amber’s passion for excellent cuisine and memorable events stems from her love of hosting family dinners and social gatherings at her home, and she is here to help plan the perfect menu for your next celebration too!
Rick Martinez | Warehouse Manager
Rick Martinez has been in the Food and Beverage industry for 36 years. While managing a restaurant in Sun City he met Tony Rea and Frank Vara and joined with Creations in Cuisine Catering from the very start. Rick has worked a variety of positions within the company but has held the position of Warehouse Manager for the last 20 years.
Haili Keilholtz | Head Chef
At an early age Haili had a distinct interest in baking and creating treats for her family and friends. Haili started her education in baking and pastries 21 years ago and got her first job at a café where she was not only able to use her baking skills but also learn new techniques and eagerly trained and transitioned through all aspects of the kitchen. After soaking up all the knowledge of the chefs she has worked with through the years, Haili now leads our kitchen team. Haili has been working in catering for over half of her career and says she especially enjoys it as it gives her and her team the unique opportunity to add memorable moments to others special events.
Sasha Holt | Catering Event Sales
Sasha joined Creations in Cuisine Catering in 2020 with 26 years of experience in the food and beverage industry beginning in her hometown of Rochester NY, where she quickly grew a passion for curating experiences using food and beverage as her medium. Throughout her career, she has worked for many of the top restaurant groups in Phoenix and Scottsdale. She is a creative professional who strives to exceed expectations and create memorable events for all clients alike. In addition to event sales, Sasha is an expert in everything Pasta Rea, our sister company, in 2021 as the Pasta Rea Operations Manager, she grew sales and brand awareness by 35%.
Mariel Donahue | Assistant to Event Sales Team
While new to both, Catering and the Creations team, Mariel is excited to begin this new adventure. Mariel is adapting her previous experiences in the management of theatrical productions into her role as she supports the team in the event process, company promotion, and media creation. Mariel is looking forward to being able to continue to learn from this well-established and experienced team.