Pan Gregorian Enterprise of Upper New York Elects First Woman and Latino President, Claudia Villeda
Posted by estiator at 13 January, at 14 : 50 PM Print
Fishkill, NY — Pan Gregorian Enterprise of Upper New York (PGE UNY), one of the leading foodservice purchasing cooperatives supporting independent restaurant operators throughout the region, proudly announces the election of Claudia Villeda as its new President. Villeda becomes the first woman and the first Latino to hold this role in the organization’s history.
Villeda, a respected entrepreneur and owner of Yuka’s Latin Fusion, located at 2011 Albany Post Road, Croton-on-Hudson, NY, has been an active voice for independent operators since joining PGE UNY. Her restaurant is known for its vibrant fusion of Latin flavors, community presence, and commitment to hospitality.
“I am deeply grateful for the confidence our members have placed in me and honored to serve as the first woman and first Latina to lead PGE UNY,” said Villeda. “As an independent operator myself, I understand the challenges our industry faces every day. At a time when strong partnerships matter more than ever, I look forward to strengthening our collective buying power, expanding opportunities for our members, and ensuring PGE UNY continues to provide the tools and support independent restaurants need to succeed.”
Founded to give independent restaurants access to large-scale purchasing power, PGE UNY negotiates programs with manufacturers and distributors to reduce food costs, increase rebate opportunities, and build a community of operators who support one another. As an organization operating on a not-for-profit basis, our objective is to provide services at cost, ensuring that independent operators receive maximum value. Today, the cooperative represents hundreds of restaurants across New York State.
“The election of Claudia reflects both the diversity of our membership and the evolution of our industry,” said the PGE UNY Board Chairman, George Papas. “Her leadership experience, entrepreneurial drive, and genuine understanding of what independent operators need make her the right person at the right time for our organization.”
In addition to her leadership at PGE UNY and ownership of Yuka’s Latin Fusion, Villeda has long demonstrated a commitment to community connection, cultural representation, and mentorship within the restaurant industry. Her presidency marks a significant milestone for both the cooperative and the broader New York restaurateur and foodservice community.
——————————-
About Pan Gregorian Enterprise of Upper New York
Pan Gregorian Enterprise of Upper New York is a purchasing cooperative serving independent restaurant operators by negotiating manufacturer and distributor programs that reduce food costs, improve supply reliability, and strengthen operator competitiveness. PGE UNY supports hundreds of members statewide through collaborative partnerships, cost-saving opportunities, and ongoing member advocacy.
Media Contact: Pan Gregorian Enterprise of Upper New York Lisa Marcinelli 845-518-9694 LMarcinelli@pgeuny.com
