Interview with Georgeta Câmpean and Ramona Cuc, founders of Exclusiv Catering & Events, sharing over 23 years of excellence in catering, premium events, and entrepreneurship in Cluj.
Georgeta Câmpean and Ramona Cuc, co-founders of Exclusiv Catering, have been leading for over two decades one of the most solid and respected catering and event management brands in Cluj-Napoca. It is a family business, built step by step, with care for people and with the desire to transform the important moments in their clients’ lives into memorable experiences. Founded in 2002, the company has become a local benchmark, serving both individual clients and companies through a large and modern in-house kitchen, two elegant event halls, and complete logistics for organizing off-site events, offering integrated services of catering, planning, serving, and coordination.
C&B: How would you describe yourselves in a single sentence to spark the curiosity of those who don’t know you yet?
Georgeta & Ramona: We are two sisters from a small town who had the courage to believe that simple dreams can take root in a new, big city and can be transformed, through work and perseverance, into a company that grows together with the people it serves.
C&B: If we were to look at a narrative thread of your career or business, what were the key moments that defined you?
Georgeta & Ramona: One of the most important moments was the decision to embark together on this path of event organization at the beginning of the 2000s, in a market that was still emerging. Then, after 15 years, moving from a rented space to our own building meant more than just a moment — it was a major investment and a bet on our vision. In the new headquarters, we built a complete ecosystem that allows us to control every detail of the experiences we offer.
C&B: What were the main challenges in developing the business, and how did you overcome them?
Georgeta & Ramona: The biggest challenge in the long run was maintaining consistency and service quality at an increasingly high volume of events, especially during times of crisis or staff fluctuations. We overcame this through constant investment in the automation of logistical processes and in the continuous training of a loyal and highly skilled core team, ensuring that every person understands that the Exclusiv standard is non-negotiable.
C&B: Is there a dream or ambition that has always guided you, regardless of the obstacles?
Georgeta & Ramona: Our dream has always been to prove that in Cluj, too, things can be done at the highest level. To build a name that is not just about events, but about trust, quality, and well-orchestrated emotions.
C&B: What were you like at the beginning of the journey, and how do you feel you have transformed over time?
Georgeta & Ramona: At the beginning, we were two women with immense enthusiasm and a dose of entrepreneurial naivety, trying to do everything ourselves. Now we are the strategists behind a well-oiled mechanism, with a mature team and a stable business, but with the same energy as on the first day.
C&B: If we were to meet your team or collaborators, what do you think they would say about you?
Georgeta & Ramona: We believe the team would say we are a model of functional partnership, where Georgeta brings financial rigor and Ramona brings passion for the client and culinary excellence. They would say we are demanding but stand alongside them, offering stability and trust — an environment where talent is recognized and rewarded.
C&B: What is the most important decision you have made that changed your trajectory?
Georgeta & Ramona: The decision that changed our trajectory was moving from a rented space to purchasing our own building, where we set up the current headquarters and the two event halls. It was a major financial risk, but it allowed us to expand our logistical capacity and firmly position ourselves in the segment of complete premium events.
C&B: What was the first event you organized, and what do you remember most from that experience?
Georgeta & Ramona: The first event was a small cocktail for a local company. We remember the fear of not being able to synchronize everything perfectly and, at the same time, the overwhelming satisfaction of seeing how our carefully prepared appetizer platters were appreciated. It was the moment we realized we weren’t selling food, but trust and emotions.
C&B: What makes Exclusiv Catering & Events different from other event and catering services?
Georgeta & Ramona: What sets us apart is that for over 23 years we have never strayed from the principle of uncompromised quality. We offer a complete package that includes elegant proprietary venues, culinary artistry based on top ingredients, and most importantly, a dedicated event manager who takes on all the stress of planning. We do not simply execute a menu; we deliver a perfectly integrated experience with Transylvanian soul and Swiss precision.
C&B: What does a typical day look like for you now, and which moments bring you the greatest satisfaction?
Georgeta & Ramona: Fortunately, each day looks very different for us. In principle, a typical day is a symphony between numbers and creativity. We analyze the reports from various departments and propose action directions. Our greatest satisfaction comes when we see the team working fluidly and efficiently, and when we read the feedback from our clients.
C&B: What values or principles guide you in what you do, and how do you apply them daily?
Georgeta & Ramona: Our core values are passion for innovation and absolute integrity. Passion for innovation pushes us to constantly reinvent the culinary experience. We are always seeking new ingredients and more efficient logistical approaches, ensuring that every event is fresh and relevant. And we demonstrate integrity through total transparency with our clients and by making no compromises when it comes to food safety and the quality of raw materials. Honesty is the basis of our long-lasting relationships.
C&B: How was the idea of founding Exclusiv Catering & Events born, and what inspired you to enter the event and catering industry?
Georgeta & Ramona: The idea came from the need to transform the event market in Cluj, which lacked professional catering services. We felt that the city’s potential deserved a culinary offering at Western standards. Our inspiration came from the desire to combine the rich tradition of Transylvanian cuisine with the rigor and refinement of international events, creating something truly exclusive.
C&B: If you were to send a message to people who wish to follow your example, what would it be?
Georgeta & Ramona: Never forget that success is a marathon, not a sprint. Don’t expect shortcuts. Build with patience, invest in people, and never betray your standards. Success doesn’t come from secret recipes, but from consistency.
More than two decades later, the two sisters continue to show that excellence is not a goal but a way of working, creating, and inspiring.
