
The desire to serve delicious food to the entertainment industry.
With his mom’s kitchen and recipes at his disposal, nineteen-year-old Bruce Hecker began making food for nearby television productions, and soon became one of the most sought-after caterers in the industry. More than forty years later, Bruce’s Catering has grown out of a home kitchen into a 28,000-square-foot solar-powered commissary with a team of diverse culinary experts creating new recipes for clients all over Los Angeles and across the U.S. Our goal has always been to provide great food with reliable service, and that remains the goal, whether on a film set, in an office or at an awards show.
LEADERSHIP
Bruce Hecker
Founder
Bruce Hecker provides 40 years of catering experience in the Los Angeles area. He is dedicated to serving a community with diverse and refined tastes. Bruce began his passion for catering at the age of 19. With his mothers recipes, in her kitchen, he began making food for nearby television productions. Quickly, he became one of the most sought-after caterers in the industry.
With the desire to provide great food with reliable service, he started Bruce’s Catering in 1980. He has evolved the business to refine and customize menus meeting the needs of his clients in the ever-changing ecosystem of the LA food industry. Bruce has owned restaurants, private clubs and bars, but has always had a passion for catering which is evident in the success of Bruce’s Catering.
LA has and will continue to be his home, and he’s committed to taking care of it. Bruce has invested in solar power and green technologies to run the company's operations. He also has dedicated efforts year over year to feeding the hungry in surrounding neighborhoods. In 2022 alone, 75,000 meals were donated to The Hope of Valley Rescue Mission. Bruce’s Catering support of The Hope of Valley Rescue Mission provides annual support in hosting their annual Thanksgiving dinner for the homeless. Bruce has built a trusted team, created catering excellence and will continue to serve his community.
Chief Operating Officer
Brian Hall
Brian Hall began his career in television as a college intern for Late Show with David Letterman. Through his career he has worked for over 25 television and variety shows, eventually leading to producing and production managing. This led to an Emmy nomination for his work on Hannah Montana as well as his acceptance into the Director’s Guild of America in 2013. Working as a client with Bruce’s Catering for all shows, he built a trusted partnership with Bruce over the years. As opportunities presented themselves, he leveraged his production experience and joined Bruce’s Catering in 2014 as the Chief Operating Officer.
Brian's work in television provided first hand industry knowledge and an understanding of operational excellence for their clients. Brian takes a hands-on approach for all projects, in the planning phase through the closeout phase. Brian is focused on client operations for all current shows and pilots. Brian manages food service and production teams for over 15 shows per day and ensures the team's timing, planning, and execution of each show runs seamlessly for each client.
Brian is originally from Lake Quivira, Kansas. With midwest roots, his time living in NYC and LA span more than 25 years. Brian is a big Kansas City Chiefs fan, Royals, and Kansas Jayhawks. If you don’t find Brian at a Chiefs game, or a major sporting event he is most likely traveling to Hawaii, playing golf or spending time with his family and friends.
Anthony Smith
Director of Catering & Events
Anthony Smith brings 15+ years of catering experience, with a deep understanding of LA’s event and catering scene and relationships with key players in film and TV production. As Director of Catering & Events, he leads business development, planning, and execution for 300+ events each year.
With a bespoke approach to event planning and menu development, Anthony serves as a trusted advisor and key point of contact for clients, helping bring their visions to life – whether that be on the red carpet, at a live award show, corporate event, or intimate dinner with friends.
Anthony has been instrumental in transforming the operations and performance of the Events division, significantly increasing sales volume over his tenure. He also helped establish the Corporate Dining division that now serves 1,000+ guests throughout Greater Los Angeles each day, leading a culinary team in menu development, nutritional planning, and execution.
Anthony’s work on high-profile events including the Academy Awards, Grammy Awards, People’s Choice Awards, and Superbowl LVI 2022 has led to his recognition on Special Event Magazine’s “Young Event Pros to Watch” list, and his work has been featured in various TV and media outlets, including The Hollywood Reporter, Variety, Los Angeles Times, and BizBash, among other publications.
Before joining Bruce’s Catering, Anthony held leadership roles in catering and restaurant operations at The Hollywood Bowl, Patina Catering Los Angeles, and nationally-renowned steakhouse group Smith & Wollensky. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Administration from the Boston University School of Hospitality Administration.
Andy Pastore
Culinary Director
An award-winning chef with a long history in kitchens in both Los Angeles and New York, Andy has a track record of success in both restaurant and catering environments. Prior to joining Bruce’s Catering, he served as Executive Chef at some of LA’s busiest landmark restaurant companies, including Meat on Ocean, Pacific Dining Car, Michael’s, and Sunset Entertainment Group where he launched multiple Hollywood Supper Club’s such as White Lotus. Pastore worked as a culinary and baking instructor at Le Cordon Bleu, Art Institute and Kitchen Academy teaching over 1000 students. Andy has worked side by side with some of the restaurant industry’s biggest names, including Wolfgang Puck, Daniel Boulud, and Charlie Trotter - all after launching his culinary career under Jean-Georges Vongerichten. With his diverse background and experience creating events for Hollywood productions, Andy leads all of Bruce’s divisions, from daily corporate dining and on-lot productions, to glamorous wrap parties and award shows.
The Office Team
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Jamie Allen
Payroll & HR
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Jasmine Craig
Production Catering Coordinator
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Andrea Hicks
Staffing & Event Manager
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Joy Jordan
Production Catering Manager
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Jessica Penalba
Director, Corporate Dining
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Danny Rojas
Warehouse Manager
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Brett Stein
General Manager, Events
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Heidi Tieben
Accountant
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Sherri Graff
Senior Catering Sales Manager
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Oscar Vasquez
General Manager
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Patrick Fukushima
Catering Operations Coordinator
Meet the Culinary Team
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Berlynn Aguirre
Chef, Corporate Dining
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Ed Ferreira
Chef, Corporate Dining
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Wilfredo Gomez
Chef
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Tony Henriquez
Chef
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Hector Martinez
Pastry Chef
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Alan Memije
Chef, Catering
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Raffi Meraz
Chef
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Jared Pereira
Chef, Catering
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John Lechleidner
Chef, Catering