Founder and President

Some people spend a lifetime chasing their passion, for others their life's passion takes a while to find them. Linda Neiman began her professional career far from the world of catering, applying her advanced degrees in computer science and education to design and code early educational computer games. In 1986 she moved from the world of high tech to a second career as a stay-at-home mom, focusing her full time and energy on raising a family of four boys. During that time Linda developed extensive self-taught culinary skills, and the seeds of a new passion steadily grew. In 2003, after a 17 year hiatus from the business world Linda chose to return with the launch of her third career, introducing the world to Zelda (her true middle name). Under Linda's dynamic leadership Zelda's Catering has exploded onto the catering scene with purpose and vision, becoming one of the Midwest's most successful, admired and fastest growing off-premise caterers.

Chief Information Officer

After graduating from Yeshiva University in 2008 with a B.A. in Physics, Elliott joined Zelda's in multiple capacities, serving as bookkeeper, IT manager, and graphic designer. As Zelda's grew into the premier catering company it is today, Elliott made sure at every step of the way that our staff consistently enjoyed the technological tools necessary to deliver the company’s signature high level client service. Today, he continues to administer Zelda’s technology infrastructure and software systems, as well as manage the company's finances. When he isn't keeping his coworkers' lives interesting - by constantly updating their software and settings - Elliott enjoys raising his three adorable young children together with his wife Devorah.

Catering Director

Kathy began her hospitality career in 1990 with Hilton Hotels & Resorts, ultimately advancing to Catering Sales Manager for leading Hilton properties including The Palmer House Hilton and Hilton Chicago. In 2001 she left the Hilton organization to join Danziger Kosher Catering as Catering Sales Manager, where over the next 14 years she developed a large and loyal following as Chicago’s premier kosher event coordinator. Her experience ranges from modestly sized private events up to 4,000 attendee conventions. Kathy enjoys spoiling her two adorable cats. She loves to bake every chance she gets, and delights in sharing the amazing harvest from her backyard vegetable garden with her many envious neighbors.

Executive Sous Chef

Chef Charlie was born and raised in Inkster, Michigan, a few miles outside of Detroit, moving to Chicago in 2008 to pursue a career in culinary arts at The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago. While attending school Charlie landed a job as a bellman with The Ritz Carlton Hotel-Chicago, eventually negotiating his way into the kitchen as a line cook. His unique talent and commitment became quickly evident, earning him promotions to Sous Chef and then Assistant Banquet Chef. After 13 years with The Ritz Carlton organization, Chef Charlie joined the Zelda’s Catering leadership team in 2021 as our Executive Sous Chef. In his free time Chef Charlie enjoys exploring Chicago and trying out its new restaurants. But first loves never die - he remains a passionate Detroit Tigers baseball fan and Detroit Pistons basketball fan.

Catering Manager

Born and raised on Chicago's southside, Katy began her career in hospitality as a server at Utopian Tailgate.  She quickly recognized her passion for all things event-related, working her way up to Events Assistant, then moving on to become an event coordinator at SafeHouse Chicago and Roanoke Hospitality.  Katy shines in her attention to detail and is excited to bring her joy for planning to Zelda's Catering.  Katy's other passions include Beyonce, all things Halloween, and movie marathons with her husband and fur baby.

Warehouse Manager

Miguel was born and raised on Chicago’s Northside, the only child in his family, and (of course) he’s a die hard Cubs fan! During the rare moments when Miguel is not directing Zelda’s warehouse traffic, he likes to kick back and enjoy his lifelong musical passion, playing tenor saxophone, and exploring new and interesting local restaurants.

Events Producer

Matt joined Zelda’s in 2023 after 10 years as general manager of a local fast-casual restaurant. He has done a little bit of everything in the food hospitality industry, and is excited to begin a new chapter of his career applying his extensive industry background into the world of catering. When Matt is not busy producing events, he enjoys spending time with his wife Liz, dog Obi, and relaxing in front of his laptop watching streaming media and enjoying video games.

Chief Operating Officer

Ben began his career in food service through volunteer work at several Israeli food kitchens as he was earning his degree in Business Administration and Finance from IDC International School of Business in Herzliya, Israel. In 2013 Ben moved from Herzilya to Chicago to join a rapidly growing Zelda’s Catering as its new Director of Operations, assuming the key responsibility of ensuring seamless and efficient day-to-day operations. Ben is proud to lead Zelda’s work with the local community, including its catering partnership serving the community’s less fortunate with the JUF Uptown Café.

Chief Administrative Officer

Director of Events

Taylor’s passion for making events memorable is locally cultivated. She moved to Chicago after earning her undergraduate degree in hospitality from Michigan State University’s School of Hospitality Business, with a minor in Theatre Design and Technical Production. Helping clients realize their creative vision through the art of listening is Taylor's unique skill, though she is also capable of extreme multitasking as she can occasionally wield a blow torch when that might be called for. Taylor began her Chicago hospitality career working with the front-of-house team at the innovative Next Restaurant. She then managed the bustling high-end Theater District restaurant 312 Chicago for Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants before joining Zelda's Catering as our Events Director in 2018.

Catering Manager

Creative Director

With creative problem-solving skills and relentless attention to detail, Melissa lives her life fearlessly, aspiring to excellence in everything she does. After earning her degree in Fashion Marketing and Management from Illinois Institute of Art, Melissa entered the corporate arena as a Supply Chain Analyst for a leading international cosmetics company. Several years later she adjusted her career focus, chasing her true passion of event planning. Melissa is an artist living in the world of events, with food and décor as her media. Beginning with an empty space and imagination, Melissa engages with every client to transform their event into a true work of art. 

Sous Chef 

A native of Chicago, Chef Ronald entered the exciting world of culinary artistry when he was just 16 years old. He has since developed an extensive body of work, and a proficiency covering a substantial range of international cuisines, influenced by his unique affinity for Latin foods and techniques. When Chef Ronald is not found cooking up something amazing in Zelda’s kitchen it means he’s traveling the world in search of his next great dish. Chef Ronald is a graduate of the Illinois Institute of Art, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in Restaurant, Culinary, and Catering Management. Before joining the Zelda’s team, Chef Ronald held Executive Sous Chef positions at The Glen Club and Hilton Chicago.

Sales Associate

Heidi grew up in Florida in a military family. She later graduated from the University of Missouri with a major in Psychology and a minor in Public Law. Before joining Zelda’s, Heidi worked at university, synagogue, and not-for-profit organizations managing events, ensuring that all details were handled to perfection. Heidi is a trumpet player, a member of her synagogue octet, and enjoys reading Torah, Haftarah and leading prayer services. She is also a certified Music Together teacher, sharing her love of music with children. Heidi enjoys learning new things, running around Skokie with her pup, road trips, hiking with family and friends, dancing, sewing and baking.

Driver

John has been with Zelda's from the very beginning, and has grown to become an integral part of the company's operational backbone. In his spare time, John enjoys hiking and mountain biking. John met his wife in the 7th grade (although they decided to wait a while to make it official), and recently celebrated their 26th wedding anniversary!    

Event Liaison

Alina is a graduate of the historic Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Poland. She brings a European touch to Zelda's from Krakow, where she worked for 12 years as general manager of a boutique hotel located in the city's famous Jewish quarter. There she had primary responsibility for event production and catering to many large international tour groups. Alina is skilled and creative in all types of food, and is especially fond of creating pastry and desserts. She spends time in Israel and Europe each year exploring culinary developments, restaurants and emerging catering trends. She has attended Chicago's renowned French Pastry School, and interned at The Standard Club.

Executive Chef

Executive Chef Jon Hudak brings more than two decades of culinary leadership to Zelda's Catering. Educated at the Culinary Institute of America, he has been sought after throughout his career by the country’s most prestigious hospitality organizations, serving in leadership roles at the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago and Ritz Carlton Chicago Hotel. Chef Jon has a passion for food artistry and reinventing classic favorites for today's modern palate. His mastery of a wide array of cooking styles and techniques, and command of a dedicated and talented culinary team are his personal recipe for creating consistent perfection on a plate. When Chef Jon is not at work you will find him at the local farmer’s market, or spending time with good friends enjoying a quiet glass of Sauvignon Blanc.

Catering Director

Merry Jean grew up on Chicago’s north side and earned her degree from Robert Morris University in Business Management. She entered the hospitality industry in 1992 with Hilton Hotels & Resorts, working at the historic Hilton Chicago and Towers as well as the Palmer House Hilton. In 2005 Merry Jean began her next journey, joining Danziger Kosher Catering, where she developed a unique expertise in off premise kosher catering. In 2021 Merry Jean joined the Zelda’s team as Catering Director. With an uncompromising attention to detail, and a true love of her art, Merry Jean thrives on turning wonderful moments into lifelong memories for every host and every guest. She is a proud mom of three beautiful children and cherishes precious family time – jetting off together whenever possible to spectacular and sunny Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

Operations Manager

Originally from Caracas, Venezuela, David is a manufacturing expert with more than 25 years of experience, holding a BSS degree in Business Administration from the Universidad Metropolitana. David is passionate about the customer experience and pursuing our company’s ultimate goal with every action: Wow the Zelda’s customer! David and his wife Eileen live in Northfield with their two children, and are excited to set down new family roots in the Chicago area community.

Executive Pastry Chef

Kyrie is one of the lucky people, knowing her life's passion from early childhood.  Her formal training in the art of pastry and baking began before she was 10 years old, and by the time Kyrie was attending high school she was already competing in local FCCLA cookie and cake competitions.  Later, Kyrie enrolled in Triton College, majoring in Baking and Pastry, and then perfected her craft as an understudy in culinary and pastry at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas.  Before joining Zelda's, Kyrie was the Executive Pastry Chef at Westmoreland Country Club.  Kyrie loves to create new menus and develop new designs for cakes and pastries.  In her free time, Kyrie enjoys singing karaoke to her favorite show tunes, traveling with her husband Chris, and experiencing new and different flavors from all around the world. 

Catering Manager

Kathryn feels gratitude for all the opportunities and challenges life has brought her.  Growing up locally, Kathryn entered the world of event hospitality in 2011 after earning her degree in Meetings and Events from Kendall College.  During her career following graduation, she has enjoyed applying her skills in a range of unique settings, from Michelin Star Award Winning restaurants to family owned catering venues.  She has contributed in many areas, including developing and training staff, implementing new protocols and procedures, and building lasting relationships with clients.  Kathryn joined Zelda's in 2023, and is excited to advance her career as a part of the Zelda's team. 

Driver

Ronald ("Bodi") Lebioda is an artisan carpenter who enjoys building custom furniture from exotic rare woods. He brought his energy and unique skills to Zelda's in 2023, and now provides a reliable and consistent helping hand in a wide range of our logistics needs. Some of us refer to Bodi as the energizer bunny, because he never stops moving.  Whenever he does find a bit of downtime he enjoys spending it with his close friends, studying new history facts, and trying out new foods. 

Event Captain

Kevin is a veteran of the Chicago catering industry, with experience at many of the city's longest established firms, including Jewell Events Catering, Blue Plate and Food for Thought. He takes pride in having participated during his career in catering many of the city's most prestigious catered events, including the openings of Museum Campus and Chicago Symphony Center Orchestra Hall, Brookfield Zoo Ball and Columbia Ball. Kevin has degrees in Honors History and Political Science, as well as a JD degree from Loyola University of Chicago. In his free time, Kevin is an avid quilter, and is a past president of Illinois Quilters.