D onna’s passion for food and cooking started at an early age: not only did she cook with her Italian mother and aunts but she learned how good food brought people together and lifted their spirits. It is this simple principle that continues to guide her regardless of how sophisticated her cooking becomes.

After working in several restaurants in the San Francisco Bay area she enrolled in the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. She graduated in 1983 with honors after completing an internship in Germany. She returned to the Bay area to work at Emile’s in San Jose and then to Amelios in San Francisco where she was Jacky Robert’s Executive Sous Chef. Donna then returned to Europe for another year of Continental experience Upon her return she ran the restaurant Lafayette in San Francisco. It was here that the Vintech Wine Group met her and, so impressed by her cooking, immediately hired her as their Executive Chef. She created and prepared menus to highlight and promote the wines of Lyeth, Mazzocco, Laurier and Jekel Wineries.

In 1989 she and Rob Gronbach opened Pacific Connection Catering.
Donna’s great creative energy and technical skills comes with the demand for using fresh and local products and for maintaining and respecting the natural taste and look of all the foods that go into her cooking. She continues to develop new and exciting menus that continue to fulfill and please and bring people together for memorable occasions.

F or Rob, it is important to create not just a party, but an EVENT, one that will have a lasting impression on all involved. Over twenty-five years experience in the Hospitality/Travel industry has given him a strong base from which to build. Before opening Pacific Connection, Rob was a supervisor/troubleshooter for McCall & Associates Catering in San Francisco. Prior to this, he worked as a restaurant consultant and was the Maitre D´ at Amelio's Restaurant in San Francisco. Before coming to the Bay Area, he worked at various restaurants, hotels and catering firms in New York, Washington D.C., Las Vegas and Los Angeles. He attended the University of Nevada at Las Vegas, majoring in the Hotel and Restaurant Program.

D olores, as with our Chef, grew up in an environment where food was at the center of the family. Her love and appreciation for good food prepared correctly was instilled at an early age. Dolores and Chef Donna met while both were with Vintech Wine group. A year later, when Pacific Connection opened, Dolores agreed to become part of the Pacific Connection team on a part-time basis. In 2001, she agreed to a full time position assisting with all areas of the events as well as sales.

I n his early teens Kevin realized a passion for art and an interest for food, wine and service. In 1989 he was hired as Pacific Connection's first employee. This was the start of a long relationship with Pacific Connection. Together they created the standard of excellence that continues today, a standard of hard work and that the event comes first. After junior college Kevin left Sonoma County to major in graphic design at Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo. During these years Kevin continued to explore his culinary interests working in restaurants and developing his skills in the kitchen. Kevin returned to Sonoma County in 1999 and rejoin PacConn on a part time basis. In 2003, he accepted the full-time position as Event Manager/Head Maitre D´ with Pacific Connection.