Visit Us – and meet our makers. 

GENERAL MANAGER – DREW CHARRON

Drew comes from a private sector corporate background, which allowed him to travel the country. Through his business travels, Drew was able to enjoy fine dining of all varieties in cities throughout the country. This experience created a love of things not always readily accessible in Iowa until recent years. Along with this experience, one of Drew’s main projects was operating an emergency supply program that provided products to locations across the globe.

“This was my first bit of experience with ‘purveying’ and I quickly realized how much I enjoyed finding ways to source unique items from irregular places.”

Drew enjoys interacting with people of all backgrounds, and eventually sought an escape from the corporate grind.

“Being a Des Moines local, I was able to observe the catering business and food being produced by the Port of Des Moines businesses, and knew this was a level of quality, and an approach not often seen in Iowa.”

After Drew started working for Port of Des Moines, he was able to eventually take his work experience and ethic into the new opportunity… the Purveyor.

EXECUTIVE PASTRY CHEF – NIK PUGMIRE

Executive Pastry Chef Nik Pugmire found his interest in creating and designing desserts from a young age. He grew up watching and helping his mom design and create wedding cakes, so she serves as a huge source of inspiration in his work. When it was time for Chef Nik to get an education, he attended Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Las Vegas. After graduating, Chef Nik acquired over 13 years of experience in Chicago, primarily at The Westin, Four Seasons Chicago and Marriott Chicago Downtown hotels. Chef Nik later came to the point in his career where he wanted to be able to create his own menus and recipes and execute his vision with his own business.

“Doré Bakery was always a goal and vision of mine from the grand scale of the business, all the way down to the name and logo, but Chicago didn’t seem like the place to make it happen.”

Within a month of meeting with Port of Des Moines, Chef Nik packed up and moved to Des Moines!

“I love being able to create custom cakes and desserts for clients, and strive to make things as unique as possible. Consultations are always a wonderful experience to be able to meet people face-to-face and plan something that I know they will love.”