Santa Barbara Catering Company

Owner and CEO Patricia Christofolo is well known in the community as a business owner in Tempe for over 25 years. Pat opened the first of many successful businesses in the food industry in 1981. Ultimately, she founded Santa Barbara Catering Company in 1992 and took over the food service operations at The Farm at South Mountain in 1995. Pat is consistently broadening her knowledge of food trends and techniques. Her creativity, dedication to excellence, and commitment to quality has propelled her firm into a leader in off-premise catering as well as operator of three very unique and charming restaurants at The Farm at South Mountain.

480-921-3150
patc (at) santabarbaracatering.com

Executive Chef Alexander Heijligers comes from the Netherlands, and he has been with Santa Barbara Catering for five years. At Holland America Cruise Lines, Lex worked as chef and kitchen manager. Lex is accustomed to preparing food for thousands of people each day. He is very efficient and organized and this is reflected in the kitchen and in event execution.

480-471-5232
lexh (at) santabarbaracatering.com

Controller Lisa Tarsitano has sixteen years of retail banking experience. She brings with her an attention to detail, organization, and accounting skills crucial to a multi-million dollar company. She has written a cross-training and reference manual for office staff. Lisa makes certain that computer systems are running efficiently and that all areas of the business maintain high levels of communication to ensure quality customer service.

480-471-5229
lisat (at) santabarbaracatering.com

Human Resources Director / Office Manager.

Tisa recently joined our team as HR Director/Office Manager. Along with her attention to detail and “can do” attitude, Tisa brings with her a wealth of knowledge and expertise necessary for a million dollar company.

Tisa is responsible for maintaining excellent customer and vendor relationships. As HR Director, Tisa will make sure that all employees are informed of and are following company policies and procedures.

Director of Sales and Event Production Lauren Guthrie joined the Santa Barbara Catering team as an Event Planner in 2003. Lauren graduated from the ASU W.P. Carey School of Business where she majored in Marketing and Management. She honed her event coordination skills while working in the development and marketing departments for several local non-profit agencies. Lauren's attention to detail guarantees a flawless event that creates an unforgettable experience for Santa Barbara Catering clients.

480-471-5225
laureng (at) santabarbaracatering.com

Executive Event Manager Melissan Falcone graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in Communication and Religious Studies. Melissan has several years of event planning experience ranging from catering, to restaurant event planning, and banquet facility rental, giving her a wide range of expertise and understanding. Melissan is energetic and helpful in generating innovative ideas to make every type of event unique and successful.

480-471-5228
melissanf (at) santabarbaracatering.com

Sales Associate Katie Vaughan joined the Santa Barbara team in 2006. After graduating from Park University with a degree in communications, Katie moved to Phoenix from Kansas City. She is enthusiastic, organized, and innovative, and she has a flair for creating events that are unique, stylish, and festive.

480-471-5227
katiev (at) santabarbaracatering.com