General Manager

David Bekkering

David, or "Bekks" as his friends lovingly call him, has returned to his roots in the Okanagan after spending time in Calgary and Vancouver, and has brought some of that flare along with him.

He has had the privilege to train in amazing environments like the J.W. Marriott, Hy's Steakhouse and five years at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler, and is excited to use his expertise and experience to re-energize our incredible staff and promote a new and exciting atmosphere at Erica Jane.

When he's not shaking your hand at the front door chances are he's watching his beloved Blue Jays (win or lose as a true fan does)

Stop on by and say hi, he can't wait to make some new friends and reconnect with some old ones!

Chef

Chris Braun

Chris grew up on a hobby farm in the Okanagan, where producing heirloom fruits and vegetables gave him an early understanding and love for the bounty of the area. He began cooking at an early age, spending his weekends with his grandmother who helped to nurture a budding passion for food, and by grade school he had decided that he wanted to be a chef. Since then, he has traveled the country and abroad, cooking with and learning from some of Canadas best chefs.

Chris began his career in the Okanagan Valley at Earls On Top, located in downtown Kelowna. He eventually graduated from the Okanagan College Culinary Center which, along with his past experience, led him to earn an apprenticeship under Chef Monika Lauterbacher and Coast Hotels. During this time, he used his expertise to source a network of local farmers and producers; nurturing these relationships as he worked his way through the Okanagan Valley. His past experience growing produce and raising livestock is a large part of what fuels his enormous respect for fine ingredients and those who produce them.

Brauner, as he is affectionately referred to by his peers, also proudly enjoys numerous personal accolades. He is a Culinary Team BC member, Culinary Team BC being a volunteer-based group which fundraises and practices within the province for a chance to compete on a world stage in Luxembourg 2022. He has also competed for the Culinary Federation as a senior competitor, as well as made it to the winner’s circle of Gold Medal Plates. Chris is an active board member of the Okanagan Chefs Association, volunteer for Chefs in the Classroom and various other charities in the region.

His career showcases a pronounced dedication to long-term sustainability within the culinary community. He possesses a true understanding of farm to table dining due to his background, and the respect he shows to producers is influenced by that. His belief is and will always be that the kitchen does not do the hard work,

The farmer, fisher, rancher, or grower do.

They make his job easy.

Zoe Corbo

Assistant General Manager

We are thrilled to introduce Zoe Carbo as the new Assistant General Manager at Erica Jane Restaurant! Zoe fell in love with Erica Jane, believing it to be the most beautiful restaurant in Kelowna. Her journey with us began as a server, where she quickly showcased her exceptional talent and passion for hospitality. Her dedication led to a swift promotion to supervisor, and we are excited to see her thrive in her most recent role as AGM.

Zoe is known for her positive leadership style and her genuine care for both our guests and the incredible team at Erica Jane. With a hands-on approach, she is always ready to step in and assist wherever needed, ensuring that every dining experience is memorable. She believes that inspiring her team through trust and empowerment is key to fostering an environment where everyone can shine.

Outside of her professional life, Zoe has a favorite drink on our menu—the delightful espresso martini—and she savors our delicious gnocchi as her go-to dish. Fun fact: skydiving is on her bucket list!

Join us in welcoming Zoe as she embarks on this exciting new chapter. With her at the helm, we look forward to even more extraordinary experiences at Erica Jane Restaurant!