Pasta Fresca Staff
Pasta Fresca is proud of its dedicated, energetic and talented staff. Our professionals have extensive backgrounds in the culinary arts, restaurant management, manufacturing, production engineering, quality assurance, food science and purchasing. Our top priority is anticipating and fulfilling the needs of our customers.
Richard Lappen, President and Director of National Account Sales
Richard got his start in the food business working at pizza parlors while earning his degree from the University of Colorado. This led to management positions for numerous multi-unit restaurant groups. In 1981, he founded a Denver based importer and specialty foods distributor. In 1991, Richard purchased the Pasta Fresca retail operations with the foresight of expanding the concept into the current manufacturing capacity. Today, Richard plays a key role in the research and development of all new products as well as oversees all national account sales.
Todd Dutkin, Chief Operating Officer
Todd joined Pasta Fresca after an extensive management career in the telecommunications industry. Over the last ten years Todd was responsible for business development, facility construction and customer relationships in the Asian market for major telecom companies and holds a Masters' degree in International Affairs. He brings high-level skills in financial and facility management, strategic planning, project management and business development.
Todd is responsible all of the day-to-day operations of Pasta Fresca.
Van Hallowell, Director of Product Development
Van has over 20 years experience in the food service industry and held management positions for the Rock Bottom/Old Chicago group. During his tenure, Van was manager of concept development and menu management for the organization. He joined Pasta Fresca in 1994 to expand the production facilities and oversees research and development and technical support. Van is responsible for the product development and re-engineering process.