That smiling face you've seen in the kitchen, charming guests at weddings and events, or masterfully plating your favorite hors d'oeuvres - That's Ann, our Director of Food & Beverage. As we kick off our new Employee Spotlight series, who better to start with than the woman who practically grew up with a whisk in one hand and a clipboard in the other?
The Family Kitchen Classroom
"I've been attending the Culinary School of John Lowe for 37 years," Ann laughs, and the proof is in the pudding (and every other dish she creates). While other chefs wave their fancy diplomas, Ann's education came straight from the source - a bustling family kitchen where every day brought new lessons and flavors. By the time she was 15, she was placed in charge of people decades her senior, leading them through functions such as graduation events for the Engineering Department at University of Pennsylvania.
The Everything Expert
These days, Ann's business card might say "Director of Food and Beverage," but that's just the tip of the iceberg lettuce. One minute she's designing menus, the next she's managing vehicle fleets, then she's back in the kitchen making magic happen. Her motto? "If there's a job that needs doing, I am there." No task too big, no detail too small. Ann attends all events and works side by side with the crew to ensure its success - don't be surprised to see her washing dishes, scrubbing floors, cooking, or serving, and behind the scenes she is planning, designing, and managing every culinary detail.
The Secret Sauce of Leadership
Her team's praise sounds like a five-star review. Colleen raves about Ann's "flawless problem-solving techniques," while Dexter gushes over her "drive, creativity, and heart for people." Charlie keeps it short and sweet: "A one of kind leader." (We're pretty sure they're not just saying this because she's the boss!)
Heart of Gold, Hands in the Dirt
Community service isn't just a side dish in Ann's world - it's part of the main course. Thousands of pounds of food donations to shelters in need of meals, sustainable practices, and even an on-site beehive! The company's herb gardens aren't just for show; they're proof that good things grow from good intentions, and add flavor to every meal.
Kitchen Chemistry
Ann lives by her dad's culinary philosophy: "They aren't going to discover some brand new food, so start mixing old stuff together." This explains her love affair with fusion cuisine and Asian flavors. Her dream last meal? A globe-trotting feast of ramen with katsu pork, schnitzel with cabbage, and affogato for dessert. Oh, and don't forget the tequila with club soda and lime!
Family: The Best Recipe
Beyond the kitchen chaos, Ann's got a full house - a decade of marriage, three kiddos, and two furry friends keeping her on her toes. Date nights mean conquering escape rooms or discovering new restaurants. Those precious moments of solitude? They're filled with sketches, paint-by-numbers, and whatever crafty creation has caught her eye.
Her proudest achievement remains the family business itself. "Working with family is not for the faint of heart," she says with a knowing smile, "and I am proud to say that we do it every day and still want to keep doing it every day."
Some people are born into the restaurant business; others choose it. Ann? She's living proof that when you mix equal parts passion, fearlessness, and family love, you get something truly special. At Catering by John Lowe, she's not just running a business - she's continuing a legacy, one spectacular event at a time.