We are more than just a team, we are a family comprised of artisans, designers, creators, pioneers, and mavens with a lifetime of combined expertise. We thrive on getting to know our clients' passions and dreams and making them a reality. We love to tell stories and create experiences through food and design. Everything we do centers around our passion for bringing people together and creating unforgettable memories.
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Chris has been in the event and hospitality industry since the age of 15. He began working for LUX over 10 years ago as a delivery and prep staff, and quickly fell in love with the company. Since then he has worked his way through nearly every position in the company. Chris is extremely passionate about every aspect of LUX and has a high standard of excellence, he thrives on creative challenges of all types. Chris never tires of the creative challenges involved in orchestrating events, and he truly loves sharing his passion for food and design with the LUX family of clients and staff.Chris Sanchez
Managing Partner
Chris has been in the event and hospitality industry since the age of 15. He began working for LUX over 10 years ago as a delivery and prep staff, and quickly fell in love with the company. Since then he has worked his way through nearly every position in the company. Chris is extremely passionate about every aspect of LUX and has a high standard of excellence, he thrives on creative challenges of all types. Chris never tires of the creative challenges involved in orchestrating events, and he truly loves sharing his passion for food and design with the LUX family of clients and staff. -
Chris started his career in hospitality at the young age of 10, he would work in the dish room while his parents, John and Kelly Lake, were running events. Chris has worked his way through nearly every position at LUX throughout the years, and in 2017 became a managing partner. He is passionate about customer service and finances. Chris loves to spend his time away from LUX traveling and hosting parties of his own.Chris Lake
Managing Partner
Chris started his career in hospitality at the young age of 10, he would work in the dish room while his parents, John and Kelly Lake, were running events. Chris has worked his way through nearly every position at LUX throughout the years, and in 2017 became a managing partner. He is passionate about customer service and finances. Chris loves to spend his time away from LUX traveling and hosting parties of his own. -
Kelly has been with the company since its beginning in 1995, and comes from a long history in the food industry. One of Kelly’s first dates with her husband, John, was working side by side at a wedding with him and his sister, Pat Slade. Kelly's passion and love for the business shines through every day working with employees, and overseeing the day-to-day operations of the business. In addition to being a managing partner, she is also heavily involved with our sister company, LUX Hospitality.Kelly Lake
Managing Partner
Kelly has been with the company since its beginning in 1995, and comes from a long history in the food industry. One of Kelly’s first dates with her husband, John, was working side by side at a wedding with him and his sister, Pat Slade. Kelly's passion and love for the business shines through every day working with employees, and overseeing the day-to-day operations of the business. In addition to being a managing partner, she is also heavily involved with our sister company, LUX Hospitality. -
Sarah has her Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Marketing from the University of Utah and has an impressive background in administration and customer service. Sarah started with LUX as an Event Producer and loved working with her various clients, however, when the opportunity to work with the executive management team arose she couldn’t pass it up! Sarah spends her time away from LUX photographing fabulous weddings and events, traveling the world, and spending time snuggling her dog, Lemon.Sarah McClure
Office / Marketing Manager
Sarah has her Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Marketing from the University of Utah and has an impressive background in administration and customer service. Sarah started with LUX as an Event Producer and loved working with her various clients, however, when the opportunity to work with the executive management team arose she couldn’t pass it up! Sarah spends her time away from LUX photographing fabulous weddings and events, traveling the world, and spending time snuggling her dog, Lemon. -
Adam has been in the hospitality industry for over 15 years. He joined the LUX family as the General Manager of LUX Hospitality, he has since also joined our team as our Operations Manager. Adam’s favorite thing about events is seeing all of the hours dedicated to production pay off with a fabulous event, challenges and problem solving is his strong suit. He loves to see the joy and hear the feedback from clients after an event. Adam enjoys spending his time away from LUX golfing, boating, fly fishing, and being a dad.Adam Raddatz
Director of Operations
Adam has been in the hospitality industry for over 15 years. He joined the LUX family as the General Manager of LUX Hospitality, he has since also joined our team as our Operations Manager. Adam’s favorite thing about events is seeing all of the hours dedicated to production pay off with a fabulous event, challenges and problem solving is his strong suit. He loves to see the joy and hear the feedback from clients after an event. Adam enjoys spending his time away from LUX golfing, boating, fly fishing, and being a dad. -
Betsy has spent most of her adult life in the hospitality industry, and began working in food and beverage at the age of 16. While living on the Big Island of Hawaii, she began her own catering business, all while working in various positions such as: event coordination, farm to table restaurant management, hosted wine pairings, and more. Betsy started her career with LUX in 2018 as an event lead and has since moved her way up to our Director of Staff Development. She has a passion for creating relationships, meeting new people, and watching an event come together.Betsy Solmonson
Director of Staff Development
Betsy has spent most of her adult life in the hospitality industry, and began working in food and beverage at the age of 16. While living on the Big Island of Hawaii, she began her own catering business, all while working in various positions such as: event coordination, farm to table restaurant management, hosted wine pairings, and more. Betsy started her career with LUX in 2018 as an event lead and has since moved her way up to our Director of Staff Development. She has a passion for creating relationships, meeting new people, and watching an event come together. -
Chef Don came to us with almost 30 years experience. He got his start in the culinary arts attending school in the Netherlands where he was trained in the classic French style of cooking. He continued his experience in the Netherlands working at two Michelin Star award-winning restaurants. His passion includes taking raw ingredients and reimagining them into something new and delicious. When not in the kitchen, Chef loves spending time with his wife and family in the mountains, or learning and discovering new hobbies.Don Sanchez
Emeritus Executive Chef
Chef Don came to us with almost 30 years experience. He got his start in the culinary arts attending school in the Netherlands where he was trained in the classic French style of cooking. He continued his experience in the Netherlands working at two Michelin Star award-winning restaurants. His passion includes taking raw ingredients and reimagining them into something new and delicious. When not in the kitchen, Chef loves spending time with his wife and family in the mountains, or learning and discovering new hobbies. -
Mike has been baking professionally for seven years and has an extensive background in culinary arts. He loves learning about different cultures and cuisines, and getting to know the civilization through their food! Mike is a cultivator of organic gardening and understands the importance of using fresh and local ingredients. When he’s not at LUX, Mike spends his time with his Peruvian wife and their four children. He’s also a dad-joke connoisseur, and assures us that he’s a whisk-taker.Mike Barrett
Executive Pastry Chef
Mike has been baking professionally for seven years and has an extensive background in culinary arts. He loves learning about different cultures and cuisines, and getting to know the civilization through their food! Mike is a cultivator of organic gardening and understands the importance of using fresh and local ingredients. When he’s not at LUX, Mike spends his time with his Peruvian wife and their four children. He’s also a dad-joke connoisseur, and assures us that he’s a whisk-taker. -
Foster grew up on the East Coast in the Outer Banks. She started cooking early in life, like stand on a chair and peel potatoes with her parents, young. When Foster realized cooking was her true passion she decided to attend the Art Institute of Virginia Beach, she received her Bachelor’s degree in Culinary Management. After culinary school Foster worked as a Sous Chef and Executive Chef, and began making cakes in her spare time. When she moved to Salt Lake she decided to pursue her passion for baking with the LUX Family! In her spare time she loves to kayak, camp, hike, and anything else outdoors with her husband and dog!Foster Riddick
Pastry Sous Chef
Foster grew up on the East Coast in the Outer Banks. She started cooking early in life, like stand on a chair and peel potatoes with her parents, young. When Foster realized cooking was her true passion she decided to attend the Art Institute of Virginia Beach, she received her Bachelor’s degree in Culinary Management. After culinary school Foster worked as a Sous Chef and Executive Chef, and began making cakes in her spare time. When she moved to Salt Lake she decided to pursue her passion for baking with the LUX Family! In her spare time she loves to kayak, camp, hike, and anything else outdoors with her husband and dog! -
Chef Scott graduated from the Western Culinary Institute in Portland, Oregon in 1998. From there he jumped right into the culinary world, he began working for Gastronomy restaurants for a few years before opening his own restaurant. Once he felt his restaurant had run its course he headed to Washington to be an executive chef at a local hotel. His roots eventually brought him back to Utah, where he spent 15 years as an executive chef at a local restaurant. In 2018 Chef Scott joined the LUX team as our Chef de Cuisine and Head Event Chef.Scott Ackley
Chef de Cuisine
Chef Scott graduated from the Western Culinary Institute in Portland, Oregon in 1998. From there he jumped right into the culinary world, he began working for Gastronomy restaurants for a few years before opening his own restaurant. Once he felt his restaurant had run its course he headed to Washington to be an executive chef at a local hotel. His roots eventually brought him back to Utah, where he spent 15 years as an executive chef at a local restaurant. In 2018 Chef Scott joined the LUX team as our Chef de Cuisine and Head Event Chef. -
Taylor has been in the operations industry for over five years and has a passion for innovation. He considers himself a DIY opportunist and would rather spend the time and effort to find a way to fix things before starting anew. The LUX warehouse has become Taylor’s passion project and he spends his time designing and arranging our storage options. When he’s not at LUX, Taylor enjoys spending his time outdoors, fixing up his car, and rebuilding his motorcycle.Taylor Brown
Operations Manager
Taylor has been in the operations industry for over five years and has a passion for innovation. He considers himself a DIY opportunist and would rather spend the time and effort to find a way to fix things before starting anew. The LUX warehouse has become Taylor’s passion project and he spends his time designing and arranging our storage options. When he’s not at LUX, Taylor enjoys spending his time outdoors, fixing up his car, and rebuilding his motorcycle. -
Courtney started with LUX as an event staff, within six months she was promoted to an event lead, and most recently has taken on the role of our Front of House Manager. She has a long history in the restaurant industry, and truly finds passion in hospitality and training. Courtney loves the Utah Jazz, Houston Texans, her cat, and snow! Her biggest priority on a daily basis is making other people’s days happier and brighter.Courtney Cunningham
Front of House Manager
Courtney started with LUX as an event staff, within six months she was promoted to an event lead, and most recently has taken on the role of our Front of House Manager. She has a long history in the restaurant industry, and truly finds passion in hospitality and training. Courtney loves the Utah Jazz, Houston Texans, her cat, and snow! Her biggest priority on a daily basis is making other people’s days happier and brighter. -
Kailee has been in the hospitality industry for a few years now, and found her way to the LUX family not long after. Her job is her passion and her hobby. Kailee loves spending time with her coworkers and meeting new clients. In her time away from LUX she enjoys spending her time with her family, riding bikes, boating, and dancing. Kailee spreads joy wherever she goes.Kailee Jessop
Assistant Front of House Manager
Kailee has been in the hospitality industry for a few years now, and found her way to the LUX family not long after. Her job is her passion and her hobby. Kailee loves spending time with her coworkers and meeting new clients. In her time away from LUX she enjoys spending her time with her family, riding bikes, boating, and dancing. Kailee spreads joy wherever she goes. -
David grew up in the Outer Banks and spent most of his time roaming through the mountains. Food and hospitality have always been a passion of his! David’s first job was cooking pizza at a local gas station and being a rollerblading car-hop for Sonic. After moving to Utah he discovered the best snow on earth, and the best of his two loves in our Front of House department! In his spare time David loves to explore the mountains and indulge on pizza.David Riddick
Event Lead
David grew up in the Outer Banks and spent most of his time roaming through the mountains. Food and hospitality have always been a passion of his! David’s first job was cooking pizza at a local gas station and being a rollerblading car-hop for Sonic. After moving to Utah he discovered the best snow on earth, and the best of his two loves in our Front of House department! In his spare time David loves to explore the mountains and indulge on pizza. -
Max started his LUX journey as an event staff and quickly moved his way up to a lead. His favorite part of the job is seeing the final product on an event after all of their hard work putting it together. He is currently in school studying aerospace engineering. In his spare time Max enjoys snowboarding, hiking, and spending time with his wife.Max Jarvis
Event Lead
Max started his LUX journey as an event staff and quickly moved his way up to a lead. His favorite part of the job is seeing the final product on an event after all of their hard work putting it together. He is currently in school studying aerospace engineering. In his spare time Max enjoys snowboarding, hiking, and spending time with his wife. -
Heather has worked around the world as a Certified Sommelier and Mixologist. As a Scottish native, Heather found her love for distilling and spirits, she decided to take that passion and head to France to earn her degree in Viticulture and Enology, which is the study and science of winemaking! After making her way to the United States, Heather began her career by working with 4 and 5-star resorts, hotels, and restaurants. She loves customizing craft cocktails, pairing wines, and dreaming up the next big thing for the LUX beverage department.Heather Walker
Beverage Manager
Heather has worked around the world as a Certified Sommelier and Mixologist. As a Scottish native, Heather found her love for distilling and spirits, she decided to take that passion and head to France to earn her degree in Viticulture and Enology, which is the study and science of winemaking! After making her way to the United States, Heather began her career by working with 4 and 5-star resorts, hotels, and restaurants. She loves customizing craft cocktails, pairing wines, and dreaming up the next big thing for the LUX beverage department. -
Summer has an extensive background in hospitality with an emphasis on event, catering, and hotel sales. She is extremely passionate about sales training, and comes to LUX with a wealth of knowledge in developmental training for hundreds of students across the country. Summer is driven by a desire to mentor and motivate her team to reach their full potential. She is a proud mom of two amazing teenagers, and a perfect Goldendoodle named Rigby! When she’s not at LUX you can find her doing yoga, paddleboarding, hiking, reading, or snacking on sushi or French Macarons.Summer Putnam
Director of Sales
Summer has an extensive background in hospitality with an emphasis on event, catering, and hotel sales. She is extremely passionate about sales training, and comes to LUX with a wealth of knowledge in developmental training for hundreds of students across the country. Summer is driven by a desire to mentor and motivate her team to reach their full potential. She is a proud mom of two amazing teenagers, and a perfect Goldendoodle named Rigby! When she’s not at LUX you can find her doing yoga, paddleboarding, hiking, reading, or snacking on sushi or French Macarons. -
Kim joined the LUX family with many years of experience in catering and event coordinating. Kim’s favorite part of her job is helping clients create their unforgettable moments during their special event. When Kim is not helping people create memories, she loves singing, making cakes, or doing anything that involves crafting and scrapbooking.Kim Spencer
Event Producer
Kim joined the LUX family with many years of experience in catering and event coordinating. Kim’s favorite part of her job is helping clients create their unforgettable moments during their special event. When Kim is not helping people create memories, she loves singing, making cakes, or doing anything that involves crafting and scrapbooking. -
Megan has been working in the hospitality industry for over seven years. While growing up her mom worked in the industry and instilled her hard work and passion in Megan. Before finding her home at LUX, Megan sold and managed events at various venues throughout the state. Her favorite part of her job is connecting with people and building relationships with her clients. Every day is something new and different in this position, and she thrives on the growth and learning opportunities that come with it. In her time away from LUX she loves to spend time with her family, reading, traveling, and spending time outdoors.Megan Raddatz
Event Producer
Megan has been working in the hospitality industry for over seven years. While growing up her mom worked in the industry and instilled her hard work and passion in Megan. Before finding her home at LUX, Megan sold and managed events at various venues throughout the state. Her favorite part of her job is connecting with people and building relationships with her clients. Every day is something new and different in this position, and she thrives on the growth and learning opportunities that come with it. In her time away from LUX she loves to spend time with her family, reading, traveling, and spending time outdoors. -
Jake is a Utah native from Logan. He has been in the service industry for over 12 years, and began at the young age of 15. Jake has worked in several restaurants and bars which has expanded his skill set and helped him thrive. He is a hard working, dedicated, and driven perfectionist. Jake started with LUX as an event staff and worked his way into his current position. When he is away from LUX he enjoys watching and following gymnastics and spending time creating memories with his friends and family.Jake Flores
Event Producer
Jake is a Utah native from Logan. He has been in the service industry for over 12 years, and began at the young age of 15. Jake has worked in several restaurants and bars which has expanded his skill set and helped him thrive. He is a hard working, dedicated, and driven perfectionist. Jake started with LUX as an event staff and worked his way into his current position. When he is away from LUX he enjoys watching and following gymnastics and spending time creating memories with his friends and family. -
Tracy has a long history in the floral industry. He has worked for various local floral shops, and even owned his own. Through his time in florals he did a great deal of event coordination and design, when the opportunity to join the LUX team arose he was thrilled to join us. Tracy loves to design events from concept to creation, and has a great eye for detail. He is also a wine aficionado and enjoys discovering and tasting new wines.Tracy Barlow, AIFD
Director of Floral
Tracy has a long history in the floral industry. He has worked for various local floral shops, and even owned his own. Through his time in florals he did a great deal of event coordination and design, when the opportunity to join the LUX team arose he was thrilled to join us. Tracy loves to design events from concept to creation, and has a great eye for detail. He is also a wine aficionado and enjoys discovering and tasting new wines.
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Pat is one of the original founders of LUX. Pat worked with her brother John at their family's restaurant, The Hungry Guy. She would later begin work as a caterer in St. George, UT, over 40 years ago. She eventually relocated Salt Lake City and began her own business, Pat’s Weddings. With the help of her brother John and his wife Kelly, they purchased LeCroissant Cafe, which eventually transitioned into LUX Catering & Events. In 2018, Pat made the decision to retire from the company and spend her days with her family, traveling, and lots of babysitting. Pat continues to help LUX and its sister company, LUX Hospitality when needed.Pat Slade
Founder
Pat is one of the original founders of LUX. Pat worked with her brother John at their family's restaurant, The Hungry Guy. She would later begin work as a caterer in St. George, UT, over 40 years ago. She eventually relocated Salt Lake City and began her own business, Pat’s Weddings. With the help of her brother John and his wife Kelly, they purchased LeCroissant Cafe, which eventually transitioned into LUX Catering & Events. In 2018, Pat made the decision to retire from the company and spend her days with her family, traveling, and lots of babysitting. Pat continues to help LUX and its sister company, LUX Hospitality when needed. -
John is one of the three original founders of LUX. He started working at the young age of eight at his family’s restaurant, The Hungry Guy. His work at the family restaurant instilled in him his lifelong love for food and people. John and Kelly had one of their first dates working a wedding, and continued to work closely with Pat Slade as the business grew. In 2018, John made the decision to retire from the company and to spend his days cooking for his family, fishing, and being with his grandson. John continues to help LUX and its sister company, LUX Hospitality when needed.John Lake
Founder
John is one of the three original founders of LUX. He started working at the young age of eight at his family’s restaurant, The Hungry Guy. His work at the family restaurant instilled in him his lifelong love for food and people. John and Kelly had one of their first dates working a wedding, and continued to work closely with Pat Slade as the business grew. In 2018, John made the decision to retire from the company and to spend his days cooking for his family, fishing, and being with his grandson. John continues to help LUX and its sister company, LUX Hospitality when needed.
