Sage Catering
About Us
Sage Catering, located on the University of British Columbia Vancouver Campus, specializes in creating memorable experiences and cooking up fresh West Coast cuisine. Whether you’re planning a big wedding, an intimate private function, an industry conference, or just need drop delivery for a meeting on campus, our exceptional venues, thoughtfully curated menus and exceptional service will make your event unforgettable.
In addition to our catering services, we own and operate The University Centre, a beautiful building designed by Frederic Lasserre and the legendary Arthur Erickson. We are also the exclusive caterer for Cecil Green Park House, Walter Gage, Ponderosa Commons and Marine Drive.
As a part of UBC Food Services, a self-funded and ancillary department of UBC, our commitment is to create a memorable, seamless experience no matter what event or gathering you have in mind.
Profits from Sage Catering contribute to the overall financial contribution Student Housing and Community Services (SHCS) makes each year to UBC’s academic mission. When you choose Sage Catering, you are supporting the education of the next generation of leaders.
Meet our team
Levi Semadeni
After graduating at Ecole Hôtelière of Lausanne, renowned globally as one of the leading hospitality institutions in the world, Levi embarked on a distinguished career working in some of the finest hotels in France, Cambodia and Switzerland. Driven by his passion for Food and Beverage (F&B) and an affinity for interpersonal engagement and exploration, Levi elected to pursue a career in the hospitality industry from a very young age. Starting his career at the age of 15, Levi has worked in all areas of F&B management since, amassing a wealth of expertise in catering, events and business development. Joining UBC in 2013 as a Catering Assistant Manager, Levi rose through the ranks, serving as a Business Development Manager before becoming General Manager of Catering & Restaurants in 2021.
Bogdan Anton
Bogdan joined Sage UBC in January 2022, bringing more than 16 years of expertise in Food & Beverage management across sectors such as restaurants, events, hotels, and exclusive country clubs in North America, including Marriott and Fairmont Hotels. Bogdan’s career began as a member of an event setup crew and progressed through roles such as busser, waiter, bartender, banquet manager, restaurant manager leading him to his role here at Sage Catering. He holds a master’s degree and has developed his expertise primarily through hands-on experience, supplemented by formal training. Bogdan’s enthusiasm lies in the dynamic restaurant and events industry, where he thrives on engaging with guests and navigating the challenges of event management.
David Speight
David’s passion for food is rivalled only by his dedication to health and sustainability. Born and raised in Vancouver, David was the executive chef at Rogers Arena for six years, where he developed a nutrition program for the Vancouver Canucks, kept 2010 Canadian Olympic hockey players properly fueled for their big games, and frequently prepared gourmet meals for visiting celebrities, recording artists, and heads of state. David has held executive chef positions at Monk McQueen’s Seafood & Oyster Bar and Bridges restaurant. He is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in New York.
& Retail Operations
Jeremy Scott
Growing up in Vancouver, Jeremy discovered his passion for cooking by helping his parents and grandparents prepare family meals from scratch. After working in various restaurants and country clubs, Jeremy joined the culinary team at Rogers Arena, where he became the chef for the Vancouver Canucks and their coaches, trainers, media, and concert performers. Jeremy completed the Red Seal Program at Vancouver Community College and pursued further training at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, completing the Pro Chef II course.
Eric Meyer
Eric’s culinary journey began unexpectedly at 18 when he enrolled in a culinary arts program instead of graduating high school early. After winning a medal in the program, he discovered a hidden talent and passion for cooking, which diverted him from his original plan of attending law school. He pursued culinary studies at Vancouver Community College and embarked on a fast-paced career that included catering for film sets, managing four restaurants simultaneously, and overseeing private club and corporate catering ventures. Eric’s tenure at UBC has been a defining chapter in his career.
Hoang Nguyen
Inspired by the Food Network, Hoang pursued his culinary passion by graduating from Dubrulle Culinary School in Vancouver. Over the past 18 years, he has honed his craft at renowned fine dining establishments such as Cioppino’s and Le Crocodile, showcasing his creativity and skill. Hoang’s dedication to culinary excellence led to an invitation to cook at the prestigious James Beard House in New York—a testament to his talent and commitment.
Mariana Ribeiro Rafare
Mariana began her Food & Beverage career in 2018 while studying Hospitality Service Management at Douglas College. Starting as a busser in a busy Yaletown restaurant, she was quickly promoted to Manager before the restaurant closed in 2022. In 2023, Mariana transitioned to catering, working with various companies before joining Sage Catering as a server in August. Within a month, she was promoted to Banquets Captain, and by July 2024, she became our first Banquet Operations Manager.
Alita Parisotto
Growing up in Trail, BC, Alita was surrounded by Italian food and wine at family gatherings. After earning a degree in English Literature at Okanagan University College, she worked at wineries such as Mission Hill and Cedar Creek. She later studied Tourism Management at Capilano College and worked for the Vancouver Farmers Market before transitioning to catering at Hawksworth Restaurant Group. A WSET Level 3 graduate, Alita is now a Catering Coordinator at Sage, where she focuses on creating exceptional guest experiences.
Sarah Zoobkoff
As a UBC alumna, Sarah Zoobkoff has a deep connection to the campus and its venues. After earning a Bachelor of Arts in 2021, she discovered her passion for wedding and event planning. She gained experience as an event coordinator on campus and as a freelance wedding day-of coordinator. Sarah’s creativity and attention to detail make her an invaluable member of the Sage Catering team, where she helps couples create unforgettable memories.
Kevin Tovar
Originally from Cortazar, Guanajuato, Mexico, Kevin Tovar is passionate about hospitality and creating memorable guest experiences. With degrees in filmmaking and communication, he began his career working on events for luxury brands like Porsche and Audi in Mexico. After moving to Vancouver in 2018, he earned a Business Communication Certificate and gained experience at Dominion Tours and OPUS Hotel. After completing a Hospitality Operations diploma in 2021, Kevin joined Sage Catering as a Catering Coordinator, bringing warmth and dedication to every event.
Paola Escalona
Originally from Cancun, Mexico, Paola has a deep-rooted passion for hospitality and exceptional food. With experience in sales, catering and event planning in Mexico and Canada, she thrives on creating seamless and memorable guest experiences. Holding a degree in Accounting and Finance, she blends business expertise with a commitment to outstanding service. As a member of the Sage Catering team, she brings warmth and attention to detail to every event, ensuring each occasion is as special as the people celebrating it.
Juliana Campbell
Juliana has been passionate about community and hospitality since beginning her UBC career in 1989 at Totem Park. She has held event management and community engagement roles across nearly every UBC Food Services location. In June 2024, she joined Sage Catering as Community and Administration Coordinator, organizing signature campus-wide events like Blueberry Fest and Harvest Feastival. She is known for her energy, positivity, and commitment to sustainability and supporting local businesses.
Join our team
We’re always looking for good talent for a variety of roles. Keep an eye out for job postings on UBC’s careers website.