TED GRADY
Co-Owner & Event Planner
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.
For more information contact:
Ted Grady
tedgrady@jandlcatering.com
Kevin Cavanaugh
Executive Chef
For more information contact:
Kevin Cavanaugh
Dany Najera
Staffing / Hiring Manager
For more information contact:
Dany Najera
staffing@jandlcatering.com
Nitin VYAS
Event Planner
J&L welcomed Nit to the team in 2014! Nit began his career in special events operations and production in 1989. He has worked with many institutions, corporations, non-for-profits as well as galas, private events, outdoor tented events and weddings.
Nit has an the uncanny ability to listen to his client's vision and make it come to life. His love of food and innovative presentation keeps him on-trend in the culinary scene.
In the eyes of Nit, "it’s not just an event - it’s an ongoing relationship."
For more information contact:
Nit Vyas
nitvyas@jandlcatering.com
Gabby BulGatz
Event Planner
Gabby started her career in off premise catering in 2013 and joined the J&L team in 2019. With a passion for keeping up with food trends and creative presentations, Gabby comes with a background in creating events for a range of high end social and corporate clients at unique venues. Everyone that works with Gabby gets custom menus created based on the client’s preferences and budget as well as custom table settings. No two events are ever the same.
When Gabby isn’t working, she enjoys going out and trying restaurants and spending time with her husband, Brian and two kids, Ari and Reese.
For more information contact:
Gabby Bulgatz
gabbybulgatz@jandlcatering.com
Jim Bailey
Event Planner
Jim has been with J&L Catering since 1988. He oversees the account at The MacArthur Foundation but his favorite type of event is a wedding! Jim has successfully executed thousands of weddings throughout the Chicagoland area.
Jim's vast experience allows him to customize each and every wedding, making his clients' special day unforgettable. His personable character allows him to build long lasting relationships with many of his clients. Jim can assist with all aspects of the planning process - from the rehearsal dinner to on-site coordination.
We are so grateful to have him as part of J&L’s team for so many years.
For more information contact:
Jim Bailey
jimbailey@jandlcatering.com
Javier Trujillo
Pastry Chef
For more information contact:
Javier Trujillo
javiertrujillo@jandlcatering.com
Alexis Bradley
Sales & Office Coordinator
Alexis began her career with J&L in 1997, working in some of the finest homes in Chicago. After many years as front of the house staff and as Captain, she transitioned into the role of Sales and Office Coordinator.
In her spare time, Alexis enjoys traveling, photography and flea markets.
For more information contact:
Alexis Bradley
alexis@jandlcatering.com
Michael Collins
Event Planner
Michael brings over 15 years of food and beverage experience to J&L Catering. He has coordinated events of all sizes throughout his career, focusing on corporate, non-profit, social and weddings. His assets include strong operational skills, flawless event management and unparalleled guest satisfaction. Quality service and the guest experience are primary on Michael’s list. While there are other places to get decent food, there is no other setting in Chicago where a person can get the unique experience that J&L Catering provides. Michael enjoys traveling, good flea markets and loves to read in his free time.
For more information contact:
Michael Collins
michael@jandlcatering.com
Travis Kearney
Beverage Manager
For more information contact:
Travis Kearney
traviskearney@jandlcatering.com
Kyle Christian
Event Planner
Kyle started her career in 2013 in Charleston, SC, where she produced events and brand marketing for the television networks ABC, CBS and NBC. Later, Kyle began work for one of Charleston’s top event design firms working in sales, floral design, event design and lighting.
Later on, Kyle moved to Chicago and landed a job at an Experiential Marketing Agency. She worked with some of the worlds top brands and implemented all facets of events, from in store promotions to full scale brand launches. Inspired by organic experiences, human connection, and her passion for culinary world, she found her way to J&L Catering in 2017.
Through her experiences she combines her love of global cuisine, with her logistical event knowledge. She believes listening to the client’s event goals and expectations is the most important part of the planning process and strives to continuously produce exceptional events that leave guests in a state of wonder.
For more information contact:
Kyle Christian
kyle@jandlcatering.com
Evelyn hitchock
Event Planner
Evelyn Hitchcock has spent most of her life in the hospitality industry, beginning with cooking at the legendary ABC Cafe, a “cousin” of Moosewood, in Ithaca NY while she was a student at Cornell University. She has traveled extensively and her love of all kinds of international cultures and cuisines informs her ability to create creative and multicultural menus for events. She began at J&L as a chef under the original founders, John Chavez & Lisa Gershenson, in 1994, and moved into management as an event planner in 2005. Evelyn lives in Chicago with her husband the artist Nick Black and has two grown children, Rachel and John.
For more information contact:
Evelyn Hitchcock
evelynhitchcock@jandlcatering.com
Adam Engelhardt
Sous Chef
Adam’s passion for food preparation and serving since high school. He comes from a family of “foodies” and restaurant professionals.
The graduate of Cooking and Hospitality Institute of Chicago (now Cordon Bleu). He has worked in the hospitality industry for 28 years, beginning with hotel kitchen work and moving throughout the industry in kitchens featuring a variety of foods; including Steakhouse Fare, Modern American, English Fare, Barbecue and Seafood.
Adam joined J&L Catering in March 2018, where he is learning a lot including preparing for large events offsite at different locations
His personal interests include billiard leagues, bike riding, fishing, golf, classic cars. He also participates in chili and barbecue competitions.
For more information contact:
Adam Engelhardt
adamengelhardt@jandlcatering.com
KEVIN KELLY
Co-Owner & President
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 in 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 local markets around the city, from Argyle Street to 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.
For more information contact:
Kevin Kelly
kevinkelly@jandlcatering.com
Ronald Fonseca
IT Operations & Project Manager
Ronald is an accomplished Project Manager with a background in IT, specializing in event coordination and process optimization. With his expertise in both technology and project management, Ronald is dedicated to ensuring the seamless execution of events while designing tools to automate and improve our operational efficiency.
For more information contact:
Ronald Fonseca
ron@jandlcatering.com
Karly Boudart
Event Planner
Karly joined the J&L team in 2017 bringing over 6 years of experience in the event industry managing venues, catering, and coordinating a wide range of events. She started out in the industry working for her family’s Italian Food Manufacturing Company and her passion for food and events led her to working for one of Chicago’s premier venues. She loves the relationships built with each client while turning their ideas and dreams into a reality.
Karly has experience coordinating a wide range of events in the social, not-for-profit, and corporate sectors. She believes that customization and attention to detail are what sets apart ordinary events from extraordinary events!
For more information contact:
Karly Boudart
karly@jandlcatering.com
Amelia Ablan
Executive Assistant &
Event producer
For more information contact:
Amelia Ablan
amelia@jandlcatering.com
Diane Green
Event Planner
Diane has been catering events for over 35 years. She brings a wealth of knowledge and creativity to each project. Her philosophy is that every client has a vision and it is her responsibly to bring that vision to life. Her endeavors have included entertainment, flowers, and decor as well as cuisine. The client need only bring a smile to their event. Diane will handle every detail!
For more information contact:
Diane Green
dianegreen5125@gmail.com
Jose Gomez (Pepe)
Executive Sous Chef
For more information contact:
Jose Gomez
josegomez@jandlcatering.com
Veronica Hastings
Wine Director & Sommelier
For more information contact:
Veronica Hastings
Veronica@jandlcatering.com