Fine food is found here
Empire Catering is a Calgary-based catering company that specializes in fine food for any occasion. Our seasoned team has over 20 years of culinary and hospitality experience. We take pride in crafting food by hand, using only the finest Alberta ingredients available.
We specialize in creative experiences and offer a range of catering options from corporate catering to private parties and weddings.
Meet The Dream Team
Event Director, Owner
Karen Kho
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Born and raised in Niagara Falls, Karen grew up in an entrepreneurial family, to which she credits as being the primer for her career in hospitality. From a young age she learned the value of providing a welcoming and hospitable environment to guests and strangers alike. An established industry professional, Karen spent much of her career working as a sommelier for some of Calgary’s leading restaurants before segueing into restaurant operations. Her vast experience in food and wine has helped her to develop a unique, personalized approach to catering.
“I believe in the power of food to connect and build relationships amongst people. Great food is most transformative when it is matched with earnest hospitality. You shouldn’t have one without the other.”
Dave Sturies
Back of House Operations, Owner
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Dave began his career in the environmental sector but his deep-rooted interest in developing his Italian family recipes for sausage and charcuterie pushed him to pursue a different calling. Cutting his teeth as a butcher, Dave was able to hone his skills in premier butcher shops and fine dining restaurants in Calgary. Creating his flagship store Empire Provisions alongside his partner Karen has been an expression of his love for his Italian roots while also paying homage to local Alberta-raised products.
“I want to continue the tradition of sharing the love of food that I have grown up with.”
Erin Pickering
Executive Chef
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Chef Erin Pickering has a diverse education in arts and science and is a lifelong traveller at heart. Four months volunteering in a pineapple farming village in North Central Costa Rica sparked a ‘necessity is the mother of invention’ attitude as well as a core value around community and culture. Her passion for food and culture brought her to Montpellier, France where she pursued a diploma in Culinary Arts. Upon returning to Calgary, Erin has worked many years in fine dining and boutique catering, always with the intention to please her audience and bring people together.
“Everywhere I have been and worked has granted me the opportunity to see that Community is everything.”
Marisol Latife
General Manager & Logistics
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Marisol has been at the helm of Empire Provisions and Empire Catering for over 7 years and is an integral part of our management team, keeping us organized and most importantly on time. She is a dedicated customer service professional and has provided personalized service to our clients with her brand of wit and charm. When she isn’t leading the team, she enjoys entertaining her friends and family and is an avid baker. Marisol is known for her dry sense of humor, adventurous palate, smooth dance moves and infectious laugh. If you are not looking, she will steal the last bite of dessert.
“I am most passionate about two things: the success of small businesses in Calgary and cake for breakfast.”
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We offer full-service, take-away, and drop-off options for events big and small. We specialize in corporate catering, cocktail parties, customized dinner menus, weddings and showers.
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We are ingredient focused and love to celebrate global flavours while highlighting locally sourced products. Our menus are a reflection of our travels and shared experiences. Check out our gallery here.