Meet The Team

With more than seventy team members, many of whom have global experience in the culinary arts, you begin to understand why “Big City” is so appropriately named. From preparation to presentation, our management team has collectively gathered more than a hundred years of hospitality and catering experience and we use that knowledge to create legendary events for our customers.

The careful coordination of the Culinary and Operations teams blends menu creations and logistics into a seamless experience enjoyed by both guest and host alike. From the simplest party to the most lavish, casual or elegant, Big City is ever mindful of the details, assuring a successful event, regardless of budget.

Tom Pokorny: Owner / President

Born and raised in North Dakota, Tom began his career in the Restaurant Industry. Tom moved to Orlando in 1994 and quickly obtained a job opportunity at Universal Orlando in the Catering and Special Events Department. As a member of the Management Team, he directed events ranging from intimate dinners for V.I.Ps, to convention groups as large as 20,000 guests. After additional stints with other local catering companies, Tom purchased the former Fenwick Caterers and created the concept for Big City Catering. Tom prides himself in producing amazing first class events with cuisine and cutting edge presentation second to none.

Event Team

James Isom: Corporate Sales + Event Manager

James has over 30 years of catering experience in the Central Florida area. His attention to detail and ability to anticipate guests’ and clients’ needs has made him an amazing asset to Big City Catering. Most of his regular clients have been loyal to him for more than 15 years, yet he continues to make new “believers” every day. James handles our corporate accounts from first contact to final clean-up. He has experienced every position at Big City from Operations to Sales and excelled at each one.

Tracy Elzeni: Event + Service Manager

Tracy Elzeni joined Big City Catering in 2011 with over 25 years of industry experience. She has a soulful passion for making others smile. She handles multiple aspects of Big City’s staffing and operations from corporate events to weddings. On the day of your event, Tracy is a blessing to her clients – putting any worries at ease. Her supervision of every detail is executed so keenly she makes it look effortless. From performing as a professional musician to owning her own restaurant and catering business, Tracy is a true renaissance woman of the entertainment world.

Jaimz Dillman: Catering Sales Manager

Jaimz joins the Big City team with over 20 years in the wedding and event industry ranging from cakes to floral and now catering.

Sales is the name of her game and she’s at her best when finding ways to make clients’ budgets work for their celebrations. A mom of 2, she likes swing dancing and appearing on stages all over central Florida entertaining in various shows through the year.

Ally Streeter: Catering Account Manager

Ally calls home to both Massachusetts, her childhood home, and Central Florida. A graduate of Oviedo High School, Ally continued her education at Florida State University’s Dedman School of Hospitality. Graduating with Honors in 2020, Ally received a Bachelor’s Degree in Hospitality Tourism and Management with a second degree in Business. During her Seminole Life, she recruited and welcomed new students supporting the Office of New Student & Family Programs as an Orientation Leader. Ally’s affinity to help people and event planning was instrumental in Relay for Life, Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority and many other FSU Organizations and Fundraisers. Since 2014, she has worked in the Food & Beverage and Service Industries. During this time, she discovered her passion for people, event planning and catering. Ally’s clients always value her commitment, exemplary service, and positive demeanor. Brides can rest assured that Ally will go above and beyond to create an exceptional wedding day at Cypress Grove Estate House or Luxmore Grand Estate!

Chef Roy Daniel: Director of Culinary Development

Born and raised in England, Chef Roy trained at the famous Westminster Culinary Academy. His talents and expertise brought him to the United States as the Executive Chef at the Knickerbocker Club in New York City. He became close friends of the Rockefeller family and has prepared meals for Heads of State as well as dignitaries including the Queen of England, the late Princess Diana, the President of Japan, and the Pope. Later, he was recruited by KLM Airlines to lead the Research and Development department, specializing in First Class dining. Chef Roy has always taken pride in the fact that his culinary expertise has been pursued and praised by many. His culinary creations and amazing presentations speak for themselves.

Thomas Gulli: Executive Chef

Born and raised in Connecticut, Thomas Gulli has worked in the Culinary Industry since he was a teenager. After graduating from The Culinary Institute of America in the mid-nineties, he has continuously refined his craft in venues of all shapes and sizes. At Big City Catering, Chef Thomas is the heart of our kitchen and menus. From preparing our cuisine to topping off the final garnishes at your event, Thomas strives for ultimate perfection with his food. When he is not in the kitchen or with his family, he also coaches and plays for local soccer teams.

Luis Alonso: Sous Chef

Luis Alonso is a loyal, grounded family man with three children and a love for fixing things. He started at Big City Catering in 2004 working from the ground up and currently executes the majority of our culinary endeavors. Born in Havana, Cuba, Luis traveled to the United States in the early nineties to live the American Dream. After spending time in the Logistics Industry, he answered his calling in the kitchen. Since a young boy, Luis was happiest cooking Latin cuisine with his grandmother.