About
Our
Company
At Pasillas Catering, we pride ourselves on providing culinary excellence and personalized service. Our team brings decades of collective experience in French, American, and Mexican cuisine to every event we cater. We are conveniently located in Powell, Ohio and offer packages from continental breakfasts to boxed lunches, lunch and dinner buffets, and special occasion packages. Let us make your next event unforgettable.
Our Company
While we may be a new business, our team brings decades of collective experience to the table. Led by our Executive Chef, Juan Pasillas, with nearly 40 years of expertise in restaurants and catering, our principles boast 30-40 years of hands-on experience in the industry. With our owner, Manny Pasillas’ over 40 years of experience and our sales manager, Margaret Gundelfinger's nearly 30 years in both restaurant and catering, backed by over 40 years of sales acumen, we bring a wealth of knowledge and passion to every event.
Manny Pasillas
Owner Pasillas Catering & Azteca Mexican Grill
Manny Pasillas, a native of Valparaiso, Zacatecas, Mexico, embarked on his culinary journey in 1977 upon immigrating to the United States. Settling in Chicago in 1980, he commenced his career with TGIFridays as a Kitchen Manager, marking the inception of a distinguished trajectory in the culinary realm. His tenure with TGIFridays saw him traverse through various cities, including Dallas and Houston, over a six-year period, refining his managerial acumen and culinary expertise.
In 1986, Manny elevated his career by joining the esteemed Hard Rock Café group, where he contributed his leadership and culinary talents to establishments in Houston, Dallas, Chicago, and Washington DC. Building upon his foundation of management and extensive training, he transitioned to Columbus, Ohio, in 1990, commencing his tenure as a Chef at Baby Doe’s Mine Shaft, which marked the beginning of a new chapter in his professional journey.
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Progressing swiftly through the ranks, Manny expanded his managerial portfolio by assuming the role of General Manager at Chi Chis in 1995, followed by successful management stints at El Vaquero Mexican Restaurant. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to forge partnerships, culminating in the ownership of Cinco de Mayo in Powell. In 2013, Manny's vision and dedication were realized as he acquired full ownership of the establishment, subsequently renaming it Azteca Mexican Grill, affectionately recognized by the locals as "Manny's."
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Now, with nearly five decades of invaluable restaurant experience under his belt, Manny embarks on his latest endeavor, Pasillas Catering, poised to deliver unparalleled culinary experiences. Collaborating with his brother Juan, who assumes the role of Executive Chef, Manny regards this venture as the culmination of a lifelong dream—a testament to perseverance, passion, and a shared commitment to excellence.
Juan Pasillas
Executive Chef Pasillas Catering & Former Owner of the 94th Aero Squadron
Originally hailing from Valparaiso, Zacatecas, Mexico, embarked on his journey to the United States in pursuit of opportunities. Settling in Texas, he honed his culinary skills in various esteemed restaurants within the region. In March 1992, an invitation from his brother Carlos, then an Executive Chef at the renowned 94th restaurant in Columbus, Ohio, led Juan to explore new horizons.
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Recognizing the demands of his brother's bustling culinary enterprise, Juan selflessly committed to assisting Carlos and the restaurant. Relocating with his wife Sonia and their young son, Juan made Columbus their permanent home. His dedication and expertise did not go unnoticed, as he swiftly ascended the ranks within the establishment, eventually assuming the role of Executive Chef in 1996.
In 2005, Juan played a pivotal role in securing a lease for the restaurant from the Specialty Restaurant Corporation (SRC). By 2018, he had transitioned to become the sole proprietor of the esteemed 94th, a testament to his unwavering commitment and leadership.
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Beyond his culinary prowess, Juan has actively engaged with the community, sharing his knowledge through instructional sessions with Gahanna’s Parks & Recreation Department and collaborating with aspiring chefs from the Bedford Culinary School. Notably, in 2002, Juan's culinary artistry garnered acclaim when the 94th Aero Squadron Restaurant, under his guidance, secured multiple accolades at the Taste of Gahanna, including Best Presentation, Chef’s Choice, and the Chef’s Challenge.
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With an illustrious career spanning decades and marked by numerous achievements, Juan is enthusiastic about collaborating with his brother Manny to establish Pasillas Catering, ushering in a new chapter of culinary excellence and shared passion.
Margaret "Margi" Gundelfinger
Sales Manager Pasillas Catering & Former GM 94th Aero Squadron
With over 25 years of unparalleled experience in the restaurant and banquet industry, complemented by four decades of sales mastery, Margaret “Margi” Gundelfinger is thrilled to serve as the Sales Manager at Pasillas Catering. Joining her former boss, Juan Pasillas and his brother Manny Pasillas, she brings a wealth of industry insight and a passion for culinary excellence to every client interaction.
Margaret’s approach to sales is guided by a deep-seated commitment to nurturing relationships. She understands that each client's event is unique, and she prioritizes understanding their vision to ensure we create an unforgettable experience that exceeds expectations.
One of Margaret’s core values is flexibility. She prides herself on collaborating closely with clients to tailor our services to their specific budget and menu requirements. Whether it's an intimate affair or a grand celebration, she is dedicated to delivering exceptional value without compromising on quality.
Throughout her career, she’s had the privilege of orchestrating events of all sizes, including gatherings of up to 1500 guests at outdoor venues. From securing tents, tables, and chairs to curating entertainment and crafting exquisite menus, she will ensure that every detail is meticulously planned to perfection.
Above all, customer satisfaction is paramount to Margaret. There's no greater reward than witnessing the joy on a client's face as they revel in the success of their event, knowing that we've not only met but exceeded their expectations.
As Sales Manager, Margaret’s goal is simple yet ambitious: to introduce our catering expertise to as many people as possible. She is passionate about sharing our culinary creations and helping clients turn their visions into reality, one extraordinary event at a time.
Join Margaret on this journey, where every celebration becomes a masterpiece of culinary delight, and every client's dream becomes our mission.