Colette Coffman, President / Co-owner and Founder.  Colette was raised in Fullerton, CA in an enterprising family; she began Colette’s Cakes & Catering in 1991.  “I remember sitting up on the kitchen counter while Mom made dinner, I always helped and wanted to do it myself”  Luckily Mom was tired of cooking all those years and gladly let her begin baking and creating.   Always an artist at heart, she of course wanted to create the most beautiful and delicious items imaginable.

This “go to” attitude and artistic diligence has grown Colette’s Catering from a cakes & catering outfit to being the exclusive operator of some of Orange Co’s finest event venues. Colette’s Catering is sought as a preferred caterer to many fine event venues, businesses and private clientele through Orange and LA counties for their exceptional service, cuisine and business standards.  “We love to be that “one stop shop” allowing clients the ultimate flexibility for their event needs be it fully detailed and executed gala for 1000, or delicious gourmet to go”

When not working on the Co., Colette shares a loving and fruitful life with her high school sweetheart and husband Jeffrey and their beautiful son Derek.

Duane Greenleaf, co-owner of Colette’s Events since 2004, has brought his own expertise and finesse in creating unforgettable events at locations throughout Orange County, of particular note, the Muckenthaler Mansion. 

He learned the trade at the Ritz Carlton, while training as a National Figure Skater for the United States.  Gaining expertise in customer service and fine dining at the Ritz Carlton, Duane then moved on to the Surf & Sand Hotel where he honed his talents as Banquet Director and then Food and Beverage Director.  Wanting more experience in a larger capacity Duane then joined American Golf Corporation as Regional Director for 8 private country clubs around the Southern California region. 

His desire for independence led him to join Colette forming one on the best partnerships in the industry (at least he thinks so!).  Working with Colette in the formation of one of the best catering companies in Southern California has been a longtime dream for Duane. He is currently a member of Rotary International and volunteers with several non-profit organizations.

Jenna, our Director of Catering and Events at the Meridian Club brings her unique point of view to every social or corporate event. With her attention to detail and passion for fun, she will deliver a memorable experience for any occasion. Jenna has pursued all aspects of event planning from creating custom invitations to food service.

While completing her Bachelor's degree in Speech Communication at Cal State Fullerton she interned with a leading destination management company eventually rising to a position of responsibility supporting sales and operations. Recently as a meeting coordinator with a major event and travel company, she planned and coordinated complex corporate events at a variety of local venues. Jenna's enthusiasm and blend of hospitality knowledge allows her to navigate the many complex elements of your event. The result for you is an enjoyable, calm and fulfilling experience.

Jenna continues to seek ways to improve herself so that you will realize your "perfect" event. In Fall 2008, Jenna earned her Certificate in Professional Meeting Planning. Jenna joined MPI (Meeting Professionals International) in 2007. She currently serves in a Board of Directors position as the Director of Recruitment. She was awarded the MPI Orange County 2008-2009 Shining Star of the Year Award; and the MPI Orange County 2009-2010 Rising Star of the Year Award. Jenna looks forward to planning your next event.

As assistant to our Meridian Club Catering Director, Jennifer offers her support in managing everything from daily office tasks to overseeing the execution of special events. With a dedication to impeccable customer service, Jennifer answers clients’ questions and concerns and provides a calm demeanor when a bride needs it most. Jennifer earned a degree in Fine Art from the University of California Irvine, which gives her a great eye for design and enables her to help clients with fabulous ideas for their event! In her off time, Jennifer enjoys getting her hands dirty (in flour and sugar that is) baking treats that she gifts to the office each week, she is therefore always the sweetheart in our offices!

Leading our culinary staff with an unmatched capability for creating superb cuisine, Chef David begins planning each meal after observing the clients specific requests. He has spent much of his career in the kitchens of Orange Counties finest upscale restaurants learning from the very beginning that quality and fresh ingredients are the core of an outstanding meal. Thru these venues, he has acquired a rare understanding of the combination of unusual flavors, textures and presentation, thus creating meals with exceptional quality. His cuisine reflects a genuine understanding of today's hot trends, along with a solid base of the traditional grilled favorites.

Up until recently, Chef David was training under the watchful eye of the area's leading chef, Craig Oremus. With his recent addition to Colette's staff, he brings an added knowledge and understanding that compliments even the most challenging of events.

With backgrounds in art and design, our Cake Goddesses are supreme in creating edible works of art. Their signature Special Chocolate Cake, layered with bittersweet ganache, chocolate truffle and delicious chocolate sour cream icing is just one of many client favorites. Stunning wedding cakes, intricate detailing, fine ingredients and unparalleled service makes Colette’s Cakes the choice of many fine hotels, country clubs and unique venues.  This exuberant design team welcomes cake tasting and design sessions by appointment.

Upon completion of his bachelor's degree in speech and organizational communication from CSU Fullerton, and ready to seek a career to better suit his talents, along came Ricky.  With a passion for cooking & entertaining, and an extensive background in guest service, Rick has "the skills" it takes to orchestrate and flawlessly operate all events and weddings at our Muckenthaler Mansion property.  His friendliness, professionalism, and relentless organization allows for events to not only "go off without a hitch" but to exceed the expectations of clients and their guests.

David Milton, Office Manager for Colette’s Catering, has been in the business for over 14 years.
Starting off as a Server/Supervisor, he immediately embraced an outstanding work ethic which has driven his career along many paths.  David prefers to stick with a company as seem with his last employer where  he grew from Dispatching, to Assistant GM, and then into the role of General Manger leading a management staff of four and piloting as many as sixty employees.  Now, twelve years later, David has brought that commitment to his tenure at Colette’s as the hub of our catering offices and studio.

Sarah Katzka, Director of Operations for Colette’s, has been in the business for over eighteen years and brings a fresh approach to events throughout Southern California.
Starting off making deli platters at eleven years old, she immediately embraced an outstanding work ethic which has driven her career along many paths. Sarah put herself through NYU’s pre-med program by managing restaurants in New York City. Sarah’s experience has also been built up with her travels through Europe managing resorts, opening new concepts for corporate chains, and even waiting tables under the table (but you didn't’t hear it from us!)

Now, four kids later, she has found new speed in catering as a great, flexible balance to a growing family. “I LOVE what I do, and it makes all the difference! From the $200K Gala to the $5K budget wedding, I’m committed to producing the highest standard of event possible. It is a lot of hard work, but sincerely rewarding.”

With a Bachelor's Degree in Business Management from Biola University, Kristen came to Colette's Events fresh out of college. Her youthful energy and enthusiastic desire to learn combined with her exceptional work ethic has made her a great addition to the Muckenthaler sales team. With a dedication to creating perfect events at the beautiful 1920's mansion, Kristen looks forward to helping couples create memories of a lifetime!