top of page

HOSPITALITY PROVOCATEURS

ALAN DUNN

FOUNDER

Like most college kids, I had no idea what I wanted to do when I started school. I grew up in Dallas, Texas and worked my way through the University of North Texas waiting tables and bartending. I enjoyed the work, but it was a means to an end and at the time, I really didn’t think of it as a life’s ambition. I finished with an Economics degree and enough knowledge to know that I didn’t want to be an Economist.

My real education began the week after I graduated from college. I sold my car and bought a one-way ticket to Paris and traveled through Europe and Asia for over a year. In every way, this time in my life brought me an awareness and appreciation for other cultures that I don’t think I could have ever absorbed had I stayed in my hometown.

When I came back to the States, I enrolled in the NYC theatre school Circle in the Square. I spent the next five years in New York as a quintessential struggling actor; which meant I was also a waiter and bartender.

I moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting, but I landed a job as a Food and Beverage Manager at the Standard Hotel in Hollywood. It soon led to me taking a position as the Food & Beverage Director at The Standard's sister property––the iconic Chateau Marmont Hotel. After several years of providing hospitality and cuisine in a way that caters to the specific tastes of the most discriminating clientele in Los Angeles, I felt confident in starting a brand of my own. A catering company at the highest level, paring exceptional cuisine with luxury hotel-caliber service. Tres L.A. was created in 2003.

With the Tres L.A Group, my driving principle has been to leverage my past experience and deliver the same level of service, detail and visual appeal for our clients and their guests that I learned while working in the boutique hotel and restaurant industry. At the same time, foster a positive and spirited work culture for employees to grow and feel as if they are part of something more meaningful than just a stepping-stone in their journey.

In 2011, I purchased what is now known as The Carondelet House and in 2015, I purchased The Ebell of Long Beach. In 2020 we opened our doors at The Mason, Dallas.  I approached the remodeling and design of each venue as a blank canvas where I could fully curate every aspect of my work experience, my education, and my travels. I’d like to think the venues have become a pure expression of my vision as a host–– elegant, timeless and above all else, inviting.

TRES L.A. GROUP

LET'S GET PLANNING

Reach out to us for availability and pricing. We look forward to working together. For inquires about our venues, please visit the venue websites and fill out the contact form there.

VOTED CALIFORNIA WEDDING DAY'S BEST OF 2023

BEST CATERING COMPANY

For Los Angeles and Malibu

BEST OVERALL VENDOR

For Los Angeles 

MEMBER OF THE YEAR

Statewide

CAROLINA STRATMAN

DIRECTOR OF PEOPLE & OPERATIONS

An integral part of the Très LA group, Carolina brings over a decade of experience in operations and leadership. She oversees all operations, including our corporate account portfolio. Her passion for gathering people and seeing the joy it brings to their lives makes her a natural in the hospitality industry. She understands the value of a team and provides the foundation for a productive and evolving work culture.

MIKE BROWN

CULINARY DIRECTOR

Portrait of Mike Brown

Stay tuned! Bio coming soon.

MIKE MAFFE

DIRECTOR OF CORPORATE FOOD SERVICE 

Stay tuned! Bio coming soon.

HENK DRAKULICH

CORPORATE DINING OPERATIONS MANAGER

Portrait of Henk Drakulich

Stay tuned! Bio coming soon.

NICHOLAS SCARNATY

CORPORATE SOUS CHEF

Chef Nick's culinary journey began at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY, where he honed his fine dining skills, propelling him to work in various cuisines, including Italian, French, Spanish, and Southern African, in Manhattan's bustling food scene. Now at Tres LA, he oversees our corporate dining program, ensuring the highest level of client satisfaction and streamlined processes.

EIRENE FULGENCIO

CORPORATE PASTRY SOUS CHEF

Chef Eirene is a culinary pro with experience at some of the most prestigious establishments, including Bouchon Bistro & Bakery, Shutters on the Beach hotel, and the Jonathan Club private club/hotel. She has even worked in unique environments like private jet catering with Air Gourmet. Her passion for pastries and desserts runs deep, and she bakes with the aim of warming hearts and pleasing our incredible corporate clientele.

BILL COYNE

HEAD OF CLIENT EXPERIENCE & STRATEGY

Portrait Bill Coyne

Bill has over 15 years of experience in bespoke luxury hospitality. After leading the service team at Cloud Catering & Events in New York for several years, he advanced to lead the sales team, where he oversaw events such as the ABT Gala at Lincoln Center. He frequently collaborates with industry leaders such as David Monn, David Stark, Easton Events, Sacks Productions, and David Beahm for events around the world. Bill's work is driven by his passion for people.

CLINT UPCHURCH

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIST

With over 30 years in the hospitality and event industry, Clint possesses a talent for curating meaningful guest experiences and fostering connections. His passion for all things food, which often includes indulging more than his fair share, enables him to create bespoke culinary experiences for his clients. Clint is also an adjunct professor at a California State University and a sought-after speaker at industry conferences.

KAREN DE OLIVEIRA

CATERING AND EVENT SALES MANAGER

Portrait of Karen De Oliveira

Stay tuned! Bio coming soon.

JENNIFER MACLEAN

VENUE DIRECTOR -
EBELL OF LONG BEACH

Portrait Jennifer Maclean

Stay tuned! Bio coming soon.

ADAM NICHOLSON

CHEF DE CUISINE -
EBELL OF LONG BEACH

Adam Nicholson, Chef de Cuisine, Ebell of Long Beach

Adam is a seasoned chef with a love for food that spans over 13 years. He has honed his craft in various kitchens from coast to coast working alongside various culinary innovators such as Andrea Van Willigan, Emeril Lagasse, Rolando Baramendi, and Michelle Bernstein. Chef Adam is dedicated to sharing his passion for food with the world.

KATIE SHERBERT

PRODUCTION MANAGER -
EBELL OF LONG BEACH

Katie Sherbert is an accomplished Senior Production Manager with extensive expertise in orchestrating seamless and memorable events at the Ebell Long Beach. With over 2 years of experience in the industry and over 250 events under her belt, Katie is a master at overseeing every detail of event production, from assisting clients with their layout and timeline to the execution. Her unwavering commitment to excellence ensures that every event she manages is a success!

KYLE HENNIGAN

VENUE DIRECTOR -
THE MASON DALLAS

At the heart of The Mason Dallas is Venue Director Kyle Hennigan, a Louisiana native with over 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry. With a meticulous eye for detail and a passion for fostering connections, he not only plays a prominent role in our team but is also a respected member of industry organizations, including the Society of Wedding Professionals, where he serves on the Board of Directors. His dedication has earned him recognition and accolades from prestigious bodies like the National Association of Caterers and Event Planners, TXACOM, Meeting Professionals International, the International Live Events Association, and the LGBT Chamber of Commerce, solidifying his status as an award-winning professional.

TARA BAUER

VENUE DIRECTOR ASSISTANT -
THE MASON DALLAS

Tara, the Venue Director Assistant at The Mason Dallas, brings a distinctive background to the events industry. With previous experience as a Special Education teacher, she possesses a genuine passion for event planning and curation, driven by her commitment to creating unique and memorable experiences. Tara's dedication to excellence is unwavering, as she plans to embark on certification as an events planner and coordinator this year, further elevating her skills and ensuring the delivery of exceptional experiences for our valued Tres LA clients and guests.

JULIE POTIPAN

SENIOR SALES MANAGER -
CARONDELET HOUSE

Portrait Julie Potipan

Meet Julie Potipan - the Life of the Party and Master of Celebrations!

 

With over a decade of experience in the world of luxury events, Julie has perfected the art of creating unforgettable moments that will leave you in awe. From glamorous weddings to chic soirées, she knows how to turn any occasion into a symphony of style and elegance. 

 

Having started her career at the iconic LA Live and later joining the esteemed LA Banquets/Anoush Catering, Julie has rubbed shoulders with the crème de la crème of clientele. Her exceptional customer service skills and attention to detail have made her a sought-after expert in the industry. 

 

But Julie's talents extend beyond the realm of events. She is a true connoisseur of all things creative, with a passion for art, fashion, and globetrotting. When she's not creating magical experiences, you'll find her jet-setting across the globe or immersing herself in the vibrant energy of music festivals. 

AVERY LANE

VENUE MANAGER -
CARONDELET HOUSE

With over 10 years of experience in hospitality, Avery began her journey at Sunset Restaurant in Malibu and then flourished in wedding sales at Calamigos Ranch. As a communication graduate, she has passionately crafted dream events, merging creativity and organization. A networking enthusiast, her joy lies in making people's event dreams a reality, fueled by years of experience and a commitment to excellence.

JENNIFER ESCAMILLA

SALES & PRODUCTION MANAGER

With a background in wedding planning, Jennifer brings diverse skills, creativity, and enthusiasm to the table, creating unforgettable experiences. Her attention to detail contributes to her effective communication skills throughout the process. She is a natural relationship builder, adept at communicating and collaborating with clients, vendors, and corporate sponsors to cohesively bring your vision to life.

BRAD LEWANDOWSKI

ASSISTANT BEVERAGE DIRECTOR - SWEETWATER COCKTAILS

Portrait Brad Lewandowski

Indulge in the world of luxury libations curated by Brad, a veteran of LA and NYC's esteemed hospitality scene. With two decades of expertise, he designs unparalleled cocktails and possesses an ardent love for craft beer. Working directly with clients, he transcends expectations by fulfilling their every cocktail, beer, and wine desire.

SERGIO LLERENAS

FINANCIAL CONTROLLER
 

Portrait Sergio Llrenas

With over 15 years of experience shaping financial success, Sergio propels companies to greatness. Equipped with an MBA in Corporate Finance and a Managerial Accountant certification, he joins Tres LA's leadership team, infusing it with excitement and driving it to extraordinary heights.

MYLENE SILVER

HUMAN RESOURCES & CULTURE MANAGER

Meet Mylene, our Human Resources and Culture Manager. She serves as a crucial link in providing HR support to managers and employees across all our locations. Mylene's unwavering commitment revolves around cultivating a positive and inclusive workplace environment and nurturing a strong sense of belonging among our team.

ANDREA ROMAN

HUMAN RESOURCES GENERALIST

Andrea is our Human Resources Generalist with over 15 years of hospitality experience. Her specialties include employee relations and compliance. She is passionate about employee well-being and works diligently to ensure our team is set up for success, enabling them to execute events at the highest level.

PATRICK LAWSON

OPERATIONS SUPERVISOR

Meet Patrick, a logistical mastermind with over a decade of experience in operations. His expertise covers production, warehousing, and an unmatched attention to detail. Challenges are his stepping stones, as he firmly believes that no obstacle is unbeatable.

SHANNON TRUEX

STAFFING LIASON

With 15 years in hospitality and 5 years in HR and staffing, Shannon has honed her skills in team development and support. Hailing from sunny Florida, she is a strong advocate for service, employee training, and morale. When she is not crafting new development strategies, you'll find her perfecting the art of smoked brisket—a true culinary passion.

LUCAS KOEHN

SENIOR SOUS CHEF OF OFFSITE EVENTS AND TASTINGS

Lucas, Koehn, Sous Chef, Tres LA Catering, Los Angeles

Lucas's heart has been in this industry for 15 years, starting right here in Southern California. From Malibu Cafe and the Biggest Loser Resort to Chef de Cuisine at Pedaler's Fork and in Redding, California, Sous Chef at View 202 and C.R. Gibbs, he has excelled in the culinary world. Lucas shares his passion for cooking with his mother; they even attended culinary school together! After opening Star Spangled Catering, a veteran-owned and family-operated business, they both returned to Los Angeles. Lucas's mission since then has been clear: to learn from the best chefs and to continue growing his culinary expertise.

KAUSHIK SANYAL

CORPORATE FRONT OF HOUSE MANAGER

Kaushik's dedication to exceptional service comes from his diverse background in the hospitality industry. He started in coffee shops at 19 and worked in retail, hotels, upscale dining, and catering. His passion for guest satisfaction and the art of table touching is at the core of his approach to service excellence.

TEMPISTT WILLIAMS

CORPORATE ASSISTANT FRONT OF HOUSE MANAGER

Starting her career in the restaurant industry at the age of 18, Tempistt quickly honed her abilities in delivering exceptional customer service, training staff, and overseeing a seamless dining experience.

EVVAN BLAZELL

CORPORATE JUNIOR SOUS CHEF

Portrait of Evvan Blazell - Tres LA Corporate Junior Sous Chef

Stay tuned! Bio coming soon.

LUCIANA ALVAREZ

KITCHEN MANAGER –
WOODLAND HILLS

Luciana Alvarez portrait

Stay tuned! Bio coming soon.

KELSIE HENDRIX

SENIOR PRODUCTION MANAGER

Kelsie brings southern hospitality and a contagious smile to the team. Her ability to maintain strong relationships with clients and tailor each event to their needs makes for an easy partnership. She infuses creativity and passion into every detail of the event, from food to ambiance and everything in between.

bottom of page