Vanessa Flink-Larsen, Director of Corporate Sales

Ted Grady, Co-Owner & Event Designer

Ted joined J&L Catering in 1995 and was hired originally as a waiter for a corporate account  within the company. Quickly moving up the ranks, he settled in to full-time event planning for the company, where he has remained working with our social, corporate and private clients for over 10 years. He has designed events for clients around the country, but particularly loves working in Chicago. He works with clients on everything from intimate dinners, to weddings to major galas in some of Chicago’s most celebrated venues.

Ted purchased the company in 2001 with his business partner and executive chef, Kevin Kelly. Along with the responsibilities of running a successful business with over one hundred-thirty employees, Ted is very active in Chicago’s fundraising community. Ted is very proud and excited to continue J&L’s long tradition of giving back to the Chicago community and serves as a director on several performing arts and human service organization boards. His personable style and dedication to his clients has helped Ted build an extensive list of long-term, loyal clients and the respect of his industry colleagues.

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Jim Bailey, Event Designer – Foundation Client Manager

Jim has been with J&L Catering for over 16 years. He oversees our accounts at The MacArthur Foundation and The Spencer Foundation, along with working with several other regular corporate clients.

His favorite type of event is a wedding! Not only is Jim an excellent and personable planner, he can assist in coordinating your rehearsal dinner and be your onsite consultant the day of your wedding. Jim builds long lasting relationships with many of his clients and we are so grateful to have him as part of J&L’s team for so many years.

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Evelyn Hitchcock, Event Designer & Culinary Consultant

Evelyn began her career with J&L over 10 years ago as a private and social party chef for our clients. Over the years, she has enjoyed wearing many hats within the company and is now a full-time event consultant. Her true passion is food, and occasionally a lucky client will enjoy her culinary skills in their kitchen. Evelyn has become a true expert in planning and event consulting. With her extensive knowledge of food and service, Evelyn is particularly focused on working with clients who consider themselves “foodies.” She works closely with our clients, bringing her expertise of the culinary side of catering to create a truly extraordinary dining experience.

Rachel Razowsky, Event Designer & Chicago Historic Venues Specialist  

Rachel began her event planning career in 1993 as the liaison to the Chicago Historical Society, Chicago Cultural Center and the Field Museum of Chicago. Rachel has executed events including weddings, social, corporate events and non-profit fundraisers at Café Brauer, Lincoln Park Zoo, The Museum of Science and Industry, Brookfield Zoo, The Harold Washington Library, Smart Museum, Oriental Institute, Museum of Contemporary Art and the University of Chicago, School of the Art Institute, A New Leaf, The Block Museum and a myriad of other special event locales. Rachel joined J&L in 2003 and is a historic venues specialist in Chicago.

Specializes in events at:
A New Leaf
Architectural Artifacts
Catalyst Ranch
Chicago Cultural Center
Millennium Park
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Scott Reichelsdorf, Event Designer

Beginning his catering career 1984, Scott has been in the catering industry as an event manager and sales consultant for the past 23 years. Having established himself as one of the most respected planners in our industry, Scott has produced large-scale corporate events, numerous weddings, private parties and high profile events for Margaret Thatcher, Henry Kissinger, former Presidents Bush & Clinton and Vice-President Gore. Scott was also part of the planning team for the opening night galas of the Harold Washington Library and the Museum of Contemporary Art.
Scott has been the primary catering liason for events at the Chicago Cultural Center, Pritzker Pavilion at Millennium Park, Café Brauer, Maxim’s, Anita Dee Yacht Charters, the former Chicago Historical Society, Field Museum of Chicago, Lincoln Park Zoo, Union Station, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Harold Washington Library, The Museum of Contemporary Art, the MCA Warehouse and The School of The Art Institute.
Scott is thrilled to have joined the event planning team at J&L Catering in 2005.

Kevin Kelly, Co-Owner & Executive Chef

In 1996 Kevin followed his passion for cooking and entered the Culinary Arts program at Kendall College in Evanston. While attending culinary school, Kevin filled in for a chef at an event by J&L Catering and instantly felt a connection with the company. Kevin quickly moved up through the kitchen and became Sous Chef within two years and in his fourth year was promoted to Executive Chef.

Kevin purchased J&L Catering on June of 2001 with his business partner, Ted Grady. Ted and Kevin have made their passion for great food with excellent service a reality in the Chicago catering industry. Kevin and the other chefs at J&L are committed to using the local markets around the city, such as Argyle Street and the local farmers markets to add authenticity and quality to our menus. Kevin is also active with internships of local high schools as well as Kendall College in Chicago and the Chicago Food Depository Culinary Program.

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Anne Kopec, Director of Company Staffing & Employee Training  

Anne manages J&L's event and corporate staffing department, along with our employee training program. If you would like to learn more about a career in catering with J&L, please send a current resume to Anne for review. Anne will contact you if we would like to schedule an interview. J&L Catering is committeed to our staff, which is why we are regarded as having the most loyal, professional, friendly and attentive employees in our industry.

Due to the large number of applicants, Anne will contact you only if an interview is to be scheduled. All applications will be kept on file for regular review. J&L is an equal opportunity employer and does not descriminate against employees or applicants for employment based on gender, age, race, color, religion, physical or mental disabilty or sexual orientation. We appreciate your interest in our company!

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