About Rick Kerzner
Owner of Emily's Catering Group
A graduate of the prestigious Culinary Institute of America, Rick Kerzner, owner of Emily’s Catering Group, continues to amaze his clients and guests with his creativity and culinary prowess. A native of Hamden CT, Rick worked his way up from the entry level position of dishwasher to cook at the Pine Orchard Yacht and Country Club prior to his enrollment at the famed Culinary Institute of America.
Upon graduation, he worked for several large off premise caterers and found the pace to be much more to his liking. In 1995, Rick returned to his alma mater to participate in the newly formed Bachelors of Professional Studies program. Finishing at the top of his class and speaking as class valedictorian, he continued to hone his skills at the Jackson Country Club in Jackson Tennessee and then returned home to take over the Director of Operations/Executive Chef position at Abel Caterers in Woodbridge CT.
In October of 2003, with the encouragement of his family, Rick purchased Emily’s Catering Group in the Forestville section of Bristol CT. Over the past years Emily’s has grown to become the area’s premier off premise caterer.
A past member of the board directors of The International Caterers Association, Rick was nominated by his catering peers for the prestigious “Chef of The Year” award in 2012. His association with caterers from all over the world has helped Rick to grow Emily’s Catering Group into the well-respected leader in the area for any type of event.
Who's Emily?
If Rick only had a nickel for every time someone asked him that question.
No, she’s not his daughter, wife grandmother, or pet. In fact, Rick doesn’t even know “that “Emily. The lore is that Emily’s Catering Group started in 1993 as Emily’s Bakery and Deli. Named after then owner’s grandmother. Soon after, it was rebranded as Emily’s Catering Group. When Rick bought the business in 2003, things were very different. Not rotary phone and black and white different, but close. Trucks were logo’d, Yellow Page ads were recently renewed, and the corporate identity was strong. Hindsight being what it is, he could have changed the name, but Emily's Catering Group is still here with a different focus and look.
Fast forward to today, we have a fleet of trucks, a newly renovated building, a tremendous staff and a stellar reputation. We love what we do, and it shows, every day. We strive to make planning a party easy and fun, make sure our clients’ and guests’ expectations are exceeded and remain at the forefront of catering in the area.
Thank you for allowing me to share my story.