Where has the month gone? Before you know it, spring flowers will appear and temperatures will be on the rise. But let’s not wish winter away yet, certainty not before shedding a spotlight on our very own Chef Chad Vanderleest. Chad is our Chef de Cuisine at Butler’s Pantry and is coming up on 9 years since he joined our culinary team. Many of you might not know that Chad actually worked part-time for our current Executive Chef, Greg Ziegenfuss, prior to coming to Butler’s as Greg’s right hand man.
Over his tenure at Butler’s Pantry, Chad has been involved with creating unique cuisine for many of our high-profile clients which include most of the events at our exclusive venue, Palladium Saint Louis. A winner of the coveted Zing Award in 2014, Chad continues to grow and thrive by expanding his knowledge and sharing his skills with his team. Over the last 4 months, the teamwork he and his crew display has been incredible. We were short handed with the sudden departure of one of our chefs, but the entire group has worked hard to finish the year strong. Now as we turn into 2018, Chad is transitioning Chef Ray Wiley into our Chef de Cuisine of Venues and has focused on some very tough 1st quarter tasting and Gala events. Everyone (most of all me) appreciates Chad’s dedication and commitment to Butler’s Pantry Family of Brands and our valued patrons. Salute to Chad Vanderleest.
-Richard Nix Jr., President of Butler’s Pantry
Staff Appreciation Notes
“Chef Chad is a key ingredient to the recipe which is Butler’s Pantry! It would simply not be the same without him. ????”
-Amie Taylor, Director of Sales & Catering
“From unique menus for 200 to dinner parties for 10, Chad has perfected beautiful plate-ups and fabulous flavors. Chad is a go to expert on making our events stand out amongst our competitors.”
-Bridget Bitza, Vice President of Sales & Catering
“Chad is a staple at Butler’s Pantry. He continues to represent the BP brand daily in his work & his professionalism in the kitchen. A word for the wise: if he ever gets angry, just steer clear of trashcans.”
-Nicole Jenkins, Director of Sales & Catering
“Chad and I have worked together for the last 10 years, whether the party is for 10 or 1,000 he always wants to make it special for the guests. He’s very detail oriented and very dedicated to his craft. He is a great guy and very caring about the people he works with. I have the utmost respect for him as a person, employee and friend.”
-John Zingrich, Chief Operations Officer