hey Y’all!
We’re Eleni and Joelle.
Co-founders, of EVO
After spending a few years in corporate culinary roles, we quickly grew tired of the rigid environment and limited scope for creativity. This led to the establishment of Savor the Flavor Catering in 2005. By 2016, we rebranded to STF Events & Catering, a playful nod to the acronym some of our clients affectionately used.
As Executive Chef of STF, Eleni is in charge of menu writing, recipe development, and producing amazing food. With a particular knack for sauces, spreads, and vinaigrettes, all of these items are made from scratch for every catered event.
It was a natural next step for us to bottle some of our incredible sauces, leading to the creation of EVO - Eleni Vavouris Originals!
Our paths first crossed at the Opryland Hotel culinary apprenticeship program in late 2000. It was there that we shared our dreams, aspirations, and visions for the future within this industry we love.
From working on the restaurant line to preparing for banquets serving thousands, we realized our strong teamwork. However, the culinary program was discontinued by management after just one year of completion. Understanding the importance of gaining further knowledge and experience, we both chose to return to school at Sullivan University in Louisville, KY.
Both of us completed our degrees in Culinary Arts & Professional Catering and became certified culinarians accredited by the American Culinary Federation. Following graduation, we returned to the Middle Tennessee area to pursue our culinary dreams!
