Our Story
In memory of my stepson
Chef Kristofer
Jan1988 to Dec 2020
Kristofer Bihis passed away peacefully in his sleep on December 17, 2020
Kristofer Bihis was born on January 28, 1988 in Vancouver, B.C. Kristofer was an incredibly kind child with a big heart. He loved sports, played basketball as a guard during his elementary years, and spending a lot of his childhood swimming, playing baseball as a pitcher, and soccer as a goalie. His athleticism continued in his education at Vancouver College (as a 13 Year Man), where he played football for the Vancouver College Fighting Irish.
Kristofer had a prolific career as a Red Seal Chef, working at many respected restaurants in the city including major restaurant chains like White Spot, Earls, and Joey Restaurants. He was instrumental in opening several restaurants including the Queen’s Café, the Perch at the Alma Mater Society at UBC, and The Living Room at the Hotel Belmont. His reputation for his robust knowledge of food was demonstrated when he was interviewed by the CBC. He was working towards achieving his next designation as a Certified Chef De Cuisine which is one of the highest rankings of chefs in Canada.
Kris donated his resources, knowledge, and time volunteering as a Chef Instructor at the Vancouver School Board and coached the VSB Culinary Team. He was also the youth group leader for many years at the St. Augustine’s Parish.
Kristofer’s esteemed career spans roles as the Knife Professional and Instructor at Gourmet Warehouse, Executive Chef and Business Owner of the catering company Kreative Solutions, and Chef de Cuisine at Hotel Belmont.
Kristofer was also intensely bright with a fantastic memory, with dreams of getting his Bachelor of Education at UBC. Future generations of students are deprived of a remarkable teacher with his untimely passing.
Kristofer Bihis was an amazingly kind-hearted man with an indomitable spirit who always managed to overcome whatever struggles life handed him, with Papa Bear by his side. He was a loving son, partner, brother, nephew, cousin, and friend. He left the world too soon but not without a big impact on anyone who was lucky enough to know him.
To keep Chef Kris’ legacy of helping students in their culinary career, a scholarship fund managed by the BCHF is available for donations:
https://bchospitalityfoundation.com/act-now/donate/kristofer-bihis-scholarship-fund/
Kris, you left this world too early. We were supposed to be a team. You will be missed but will always be in many hearts forever.
For outstanding service- The Meal, March 3, 1991 awarded to:
Catalino Misenas, Director of Catering
From the moment I attended a formal event at the prestigious The Manila Hotel as a teenager, I knew that the hospitality and foodservice industry would become my passion.
My career began in Canada in 1972 when I joined Fairmont Hotel Vancouver as a banquet houseman. That first position marked the beginning of a lifelong journey in hospitality. During my early years in Vancouver, I gained valuable experience in a variety of hotel roles while building a strong foundation in the industry. I later completed the Hospitality and Foodservice Management program at British Columbia Institute of Technology.
My career in hotel and foodservice management took me to numerous properties across several Canadian cities and provinces, where I continually expanded my knowledge, developed my leadership skills, and exceeded the personal and professional goals I set for myself.
The demanding nature of the hospitality industry—with its long hours, extensive travel, and frequent relocations—eventually prompted me to consider a new challenge. In 1996, I was fortunate to join Canada's largest national leader in the foodservice equipment and supply industry. Over the next 24 years, I progressed to managing the company's largest branch in Vancouver. This experience provided me with extensive expertise in sales, general management, foodservice equipment and supply distribution, customer service, and relationship building. It also allowed me to develop a vast network of industry contacts and acquire the knowledge and experience that would later serve as the foundation for Smallwares Solutions.
In early 2018, I was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, a form of cancer for which there is currently no cure. While this diagnosis presented significant challenges, it also gave me a renewed perspective on life and reinforced my determination to make the most of every opportunity. It continues to inspire me to strive for excellence, both personally and professionally, and motivates me to bring my very best to every endeavor.
Catalino
SALES PARTNER, RALF BEHRINGER
From an early age, I was fascinated by travel, languages, and the hospitality industry. Growing up in Germany, I was drawn to the energy of hotels and restaurants and the unique way they bring people together. That passion led me to pursue formal hospitality training and ultimately shaped a career that has taken me across Europe and North America.
My professional journey began with hospitality studies and practical training in Germany, including time at some of the country's most respected hotel and restaurant operations. Following my apprenticeship and management education, I expanded my horizons by studying French in Paris and Spanish in Salamanca, experiences that strengthened both my language skills and appreciation for different cultures and business practices.
After moving to Canada in the mid-1990s, I quickly immersed myself in Vancouver's restaurant industry, taking on management roles and developing expertise in operations, staffing, customer service, and business development. Shortly thereafter, an opportunity arose to return to Germany and fulfill a lifelong dream of entrepreneurship.
For five years, I owned and operated a busy 280-seat restaurant in the heart of Munich. Managing all aspects of the business—from staffing and purchasing to marketing, financial management, and guest relations—provided invaluable experience and reinforced my belief that exceptional customer service is the foundation of every successful hospitality operation.
In 2003 I returned to Canada, where I joined one of the country's leading foodservice equipment and supply organizations and met Catalino Misenas for the first time. Over the next fifteen years, I worked closely with restaurant operators, hotels, institutions, consultants, and chefs throughout Vancouver. By focusing on customer relationships, technical product knowledge, and practical solutions, I was able to significantly grow my territory while helping clients achieve their operational goals. Those years also allowed me to build an extensive network of industry contacts and gain a deep understanding of foodservice equipment, smallwares, and kitchen operations.
In 2018, I embarked on a new challenge by pursuing a career in healthcare as a Registered Massage Therapist. Working directly with patients taught me a different but equally valuable perspective on client care, communication, and building long-term trust. The experience reinforced many of the same principles that had guided me throughout my hospitality career: listening carefully, understanding individual needs, and delivering personalized solutions.
Today, I am excited to combine the knowledge and relationships developed over more than three decades in hospitality, foodservice operations, business management, sales, and customer care. As a sales partner with Smallwares Solutions, I am passionate about helping foodservice operators find innovative products and practical solutions that contribute to their success. I believe that strong relationships, integrity, and exceptional service remain the keys to long-term success, and I look forward to continuing to support our industry's growth and evolution.
Ralf