Meet The Team

William Kovel

Chef/Owner

Kovel’s culinary career has brought him overseas to London and across the United States to San Francisco before he settled in Boston.

During Chef Kovel’s time in San Francisco he worked under, and learned from, one of the best chefs in the country, Traci Des Jardins of Jardinière.

Family called him back to New England and being an admirer of Restaurateur Michael Schlow, he soon joined his team at Radius where he worked his way up to Sous Chef and helped run Schlow’s flagship restaurant for three years. William then decided to spend a year in London at the Michelin rated French restaurant Orrery.

Before opening Catalyst, Kovel was Chef de Cuisine of the esteemed and award-winning restaurant, Aujourd’hui. When the Four Seasons announced that they would be shutting the doors of the Grande Dame of the Boston restaurant scene in June of 2009, Kovel was ready for a fresh start. His next natural step was to own restaurant, which he had spent over 2 years year planning and building.

Kovel’s interests outside of the kitchen include reading, gardening, traveling, fishing and spending time with his family. You can follow his IG feed to see the latest antics “the dudes” are up to.

Robyn Yee

Partner and Director of Sales

Robyn Yee is a Partner and the Director of Sales at Catalyst Restaurant in Cambridge, MA, bringing 20 years of experience in event planning with a specialty in weddings and milestone celebrations. Robyn began her career at the iconic Four Seasons Hotel Boston, located across from the beautiful Public Garden, where she developed her expertise in luxury event management, guest relations, and creating exceptional experiences for clients.

At Catalyst, Robyn’s commitment to personalized service sets her apart. She works closely with clients to understand their vision, curating custom menus that highlight the restaurant’s modern American cuisine and overseeing event design to ensure each detail reflects the occasion’s unique style. Whether hosting intimate gatherings, elegant weddings, or large corporate events, Robyn’s meticulous attention to detail and collaborative approach make the planning process seamless and enjoyable.

Robyn’s passion for hospitality and deep understanding of her clients’ needs have earned her a reputation for delivering memorable events that exceed expectations. Her leadership and dedication to excellence continue to elevate the guest experience at Catalyst, making it a premier destination for special events in the greater Boston area.

ANNE FEDAK

Director of Operations

Anne Fedak, Director of Operations at Catalyst Restaurant, brings over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, with a proven track record of delivering exceptional events and guest experiences. Anne began her career in the catering department at the Four Seasons Hotel Boston, where she specialized in corporate events and fine-tuned her skills in logistics, service, and event execution.

Following the pandemic, Anne joined the team at Catalyst Restaurant, where her passion for service and keen eye for detail has been instrumental in maintaining the attentive and thoughtful hospitality that Catalyst is known for. Anne’s leadership ensures that every guest feels welcomed and every event runs seamlessly, from the initial planning stages to the final toast. Her dedication to operational excellence and love for creating memorable experiences make her an invaluable part of the Catalyst team.

LEANNE VARGAS

Catering Sales & Director of Human Resources

Leanne Vargas, Director of Human Resources at Catalyst Restaurant, brings nearly 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry and a wealth of knowledge gained from some of the world’s most renowned luxury properties. Leanne began her career at the Four Seasons Hotel Dallas, where she developed her passion for exceptional service and team leadership. Her journey continued to the stunning Four Seasons Resort Maui (yes where White Lotus was filmed) and later to the Four Seasons Hotel Boston, where she first crossed paths with the future Catalyst team, forming lasting relationships rooted in shared values of hospitality and excellence.

Throughout her storied career, Leanne thrived in roles as a Restaurant Manager and Conference Services Manager, gaining a comprehensive understanding of both front-of-house operations and event execution. Post-pandemic, she brought her expertise and leadership to Catalyst, where her transition to Human Resources was a natural evolution of her caring nature, thoughtfulness, and dedication to fostering a positive and supportive work environment.

Leanne’s deep understanding of hospitality operations allows her to assist in all areas of the restaurant, from guiding the team with day-to-day needs to stepping in on the restaurant floor during service or lending support in the sales office. Her hands-on approach, combined with her passion for people, ensures that Catalyst remains a collaborative, efficient, and welcoming workplace for staff and guests alike.

Danny Escobar

Executive Sous Chef

Originally from El Salvador, Danny discovered a passion for food early on by cooking alongside his mother and grandmother. After immigrating to the U.S. at 18, he began his culinary career as a dishwasher and worked his way through the kitchens of notable Boston and Cambridge restaurants, including Five Horses Tavern, BNEG, Hotel Commonwealth, and Island Creek Oyster Bar.

Since joining Catalyst as Executive Sous Chef in 2019, he continues to explore new ingredients, global cuisines, and techniques—most recently diving into whole animal butchery and creative zero-waste cooking. Outside of work, he enjoys discovering new restaurants, experimenting with recipes, and sharing great food and movies with his wife in East Boston.

Mia-Sara Gadea-Guidicelli

Pastry Chef

Born in Germany and raised across Europe, Mia-Sara developed a deep love for pastries through exposure to diverse culinary traditions. Inspired by time spent baking with her mother and grandmother, she later trained at Le Cordon Bleu in Cambridge with a focus on Culinary Arts.

Mia-Sara began her career in savory kitchens before pursuing her true passion in pastry. Drawing from her Puerto Rican heritage and culinary background, she brings bold, playful flavors and creative techniques to every dessert she crafts as Pastry Chef at Catalyst Restaurant.

Achievements

During his tenure at the Four Seasons, Kovel was recognized by Boston Magazine and was named one of a talented group of upcoming “Chefs to Watch”. He was also honored as ‘Boston’s Top Restaurants’ by Chaine des Rotisseurs and he achieved the revered status of the AAA Five Diamond Award. Kovel was named Food and Wine’s best New Chef People’s Choice the year he opened Catalyst Restaurant and he’s also been recognized by Wine Spectator (he is Level II Sommelier in the Court of Master Sommeliers).