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Culinary Specialties was founded in 1990 by two experienced executive chefs, Walter Schoepf and Karl Degiacomu. They had a clear vision: to offer local chefs in the Tampa Bay area a unique service that was simple yet innovative—creating custom hors d’oeuvres to the exact specifications of the chef, at a reasonable price, so they could focus on their craft without compromise.

As time passed, the company grew and evolved, and in January 2020, April Van Eepoel joined the team, bringing a fresh sales perspective. With Walter and Karl looking to retire, April and her team stepped in and took the reins to ensure the company’s continued success. The goal was to build a team that could uphold the company’s mission and values.

That’s when Chef Kelly Fenner came on board. With 34 years of culinary experience and a background in top-tier hotels across the U.S., Chef Kelly brought a wealth of knowledge and creativity to the table. Her versatility in both savory and sweet creations allowed Culinary Specialties to expand and elevate their dessert offerings, further enhancing the company’s ability to cater to the diverse needs of chefs. Together, April and Chef Kelly have continued the legacy of providing chefs with exactly what they need: food created by chefs, for chefs. Culinary Specialties remain committed to delivering high-quality, custom culinary solutions that help chefs bring their visions to life.