Team Palmer’s
When you book an event with Palmer’s, you’re not just hiring a caterer, you’re hiring a team of passionate event professionals devoted to creating an unforgettable experience. Our skilled team of party planners, floral designers, chefs, bakers, servers, bartenders and rental partners will work together to bring your party dreams to life.
Megan Palmer Rivera
Founder & CEO
Megan has always been passionate about food and entertaining. From a young age, Megan's love for the culinary arts was evident, as she began catering parties for family and friends while still in high school. Her talent and dedication led her to pursue formal culinary education at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America, where she excelled and graduated at the top of her class, earning both a Culinary Arts and Baking & Pastry Degree.
In 2007, Megan embarked on her entrepreneurial journey by opening Palmer's Bakery inside of Palmer’s Market, which quickly gained acclaim for its exquisite specialty cakes and delectable dessert. In 2010 Megan transitioned to the role of Executive Chef and subsequently launched Palmer's Catering.
Today Megan is the CEO of both Palmer’s Market and Palmer's Catering where she continues to put her extensive culinary expertise to work creating unforgettable memories for her clients.
Rob Troilo brings 25+ years of hospitality experience to the team. His career has gifted him the experiences of working alongside some of the greatest chefs you’ve never heard of in their kitchens across the globe, being the executive chef/owner of his own restaurant, and working in the wine import & distribution industry. He loves bringing joy to others lives through the theater of service.
Favorite Menu Item: I love to go dancing! I also love to host friends and entertaining.I really enjoy visiting Vermont and just relaxing.
After starting in the advertising industry, Christina attended the Institute of Culinary Education in New York City following her passion for food, planning parties, and entertaining. Since joining Palmer’s Catering as the Senior Catering Coordinator, she has brought that passion to her clients following her belief that no event is successful without delicious food!
Favorite Menu Item: Chicken Katsu Bao Buns
Yarissa, a graduate of the French Culinary Institute in New York City, creates custom events for her clients using her extensive culinary and pastry knowledge. She loves creating menus that taste as incredible as they look. Now at Palmers she uses her skills of design, color, and art to bring her clients’ visions to life.
Favorite Menu Item: Heirloom Tomato Tart
With a career journey that began as a bakery intern and evolved into a leadership role in catering sales and operations, Melissa has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence in the events and hospitality industry. Her passion for creating unforgettable moments and her ability to seamlessly blend creativity with operational prowess makes her a true luminary in her field. She finds immense joy in witnessing events come to life and the sheer happiness that lights up clients' faces as they revel in their own celebrations.
A Palmer’s employee for over 4 years, Lisbeth brings her expertise in operations and her acute attention to detail to our catering team. Any event you may have, no matter the size, Lisbeth will have her hand in it. Her love for aesthetics and a perfected vision on food service makes her the perfect member to have on our team. Lisbeth’s passion for catering comes from her love of seeing the final product, as everything comes together between culinary and operations to create the perfect event.
Favorite Menu Item: Charred Kale Caesar Salad
After owning and managing a home decor and design business for 23 years in Upper Westchester, NY, Joan-Marie started fresh in the Floral Department at Palmer’s. Here, she worked up to Floral Manager, and then answered the call to join the Catering Department. She enjoys talking with clients about their events, and curating delicious menus that highlight the occasion. With every order, she calls on her passion for delicious food and utmost respect for the culinary wizardry performed in the Palmer’s kitchen, both of which make her mission effortless and enjoyable.
Favorite Menu Item: Pork Belly Skewer
Charles, a graduate from Johnson and Wales University with over 10 years of culinary experience, uses his creativity and attention to detail to create beautiful dishes that keep our menus innovative and delicious. His favorite part about the catering and events industry is being at the event and seeing the happiness of the guests. His passion shows through his food and he makes it his goal that the guests get to experience it.
Favorite Menu Item: Mushroom Burrata Toast
Having worked alongside one of Connecticut’s own celebrity chefs, Efrain brings to us over 13 years of culinary experience with a focus on French cuisine. With his passion for catering and his hard working mentality, he is a major part of the “backbone” that keeps Palmer’s Catering running behind the scenes. Efrain’s favorite thing about catering is the constantly changing atmosphere and the growth that he takes from it.
Favorite Menu Item: Beer Braised Pork Cornbread Cakes
A new and exciting addition to our team, Jamie comes to us with 7 years of culinary experience with a focus on Mediterranean cuisine. Jaime’s passion for food along with his fast paced restaurant background only helps to expand on our menu possibilities. His favorite thing about the catering industry is working the events and being able to use his creativity.
Favorite Menu Item: Short Rib Grilled Cheese and Tomato Bisque
We’re always looking for passionate foodies to join the team!
