People

Key Management

Robert Vidra / President and C.E.O.

Now in its twelfth year of operation, Simply Elegant was created by Robert Vidra

While building Simply Elegant, Robert took a job driving taxi through Calgary’s downtown, conducting on-the-street market research with corporate clients he picked up as fares. He talked to industry leaders, executives and support staff about their companies, their food needs and catering expectations, always fine- tuning his plans to open what is now one of Calgary’s premiere catering businesses.

In 2006, the Company expanded to open an Events division, filling the city’s need for an events company that has catering in-house.

Robert believes in transparency in business, and has an open book policy towards his clients. He is committed to reducing his company’s carbon footprint and is constantly seeking new environmentally friendly ways of meeting or exceeding his clients’ expectations.

Sharon Barwick / Event Producer

Working with a marketing firm under contract to Simply Elegant, Sharon was so taken by the Client’s quality of work, she decided not to leave! Joining the Company as its operations and marketing manager in 2003, she helped to establish the Events division, which she oversees, the following year.

Sharon has an award-winning flare for design and a diverse background which includes medicine, acting, florals and event decor.

As event producer and wedding planner, she excels in designing highly successful, dynamic functions of all sizes and is skilled at handling client concerns with grace and creativity.

Sharon’s extraordinary people skills, coupled with Simply Elegant’s commitment to excellence, keep repeat customers coming back time and again.

Tony Dunstan / Executive Chef

Tony’s got game – literally! Tony grew up on his parents’ farm which was famous for its wild birds, including quail, pheasant, squab, duck and guinea fowl. It also had a reputation as a quality food processing operation.

From an early age, Tony was schooled in the art of cooking wild game, especially deer, elk and moose, which he has perfected in many years as a chef. Although he obtained his Journeyman and Red Seal certifications through S.A.I.T., and has worked alongside some of Canada’s finest cooks, he still counts his grandparents’ kitchen as one of his most formative training grounds. His grandfather was a formidable cook and butcher by trade and his grandmother, an exquisite baker.

Tony has worked in many hotels in a variety of positions, including as a maitre ‘d and a chef. He received on the job training regarding dietary requirements when he was an executive chef for three Calgary independent seniors’ lodges; he also served on Culinary Team Canada.

Marc d. Wicks / Catering Manager

Marc comes from a strong food and beverage background with over 20 years of experience with hotels, restaurants and lounges.He has held key roles of some of Calgary’s top catering companies, including Savior Fare, Brava Bistro & Catering and, most recently, with Red Tree Catering.

Marc is active in the Calgary arts and music scene, which influences his approach to catering and food. A man of diverse and eclectic tastes, he is able to envision the whole of an event and how a menu fits into it. He has a naturally positive attitude and is client focused, striving always to provide a memorable food experience. In Simply Elegant’s “no silos” approach, he is a perfect addition to a team dedicated to providing the best possible quality and service to our clients.