Chef Dell creates unforgettable dining experiences through bold flavors, inventive techniques, and a deep passion for culinary and beverage artistry. With over a decade of experience spanning Michelin-starred kitchens, Chicago’s top restaurants, musical culinary collaborations and acclaimed breweries, he blends Mexican, Creole, and contemporary influences into every dish. At EPC, Chef Dell combines his heritage and creative vision to craft menus that turn every meal into a memorable culinary journey, bringing people together over food that excites the senses.

Born and raised in Greenville, South Carolina, Amy began working in restaurants at 15. In her early twenties she moved to Chicago, where she worked for the Lettuce Entertain You restaurant group, studied wine, and became a Certified Sommelier. She returned home in 2019 to serve as Wine Director for Halls Chophouse Greenville. Amy has an incurable and rare degenerative eye disease called Retinitis Pigmentosa that has slowly impaired her vision over time. After grappling with and accepting her vision loss, she launched her company, Pocket Somm, and ventured out on her own. Pocket Somm is your personal sommelier at your fingertips, offering wine program consulting, personal wine procurement, and private wine education. Amy’s teaching style is fun, relaxed, and highly approachable. She is known for making wine feel easy to understand and genuinely exciting, no matter your level of experience. Through Pocket Somm she runs a retail wine program inside the Greenville Beer Exchange. Amy focuses on farmers, not commercial wineries. She champions small production, artisan, boutique, and hard to find “unicorn” wines, and hosts private tastings both at Greenville Beer Exchange and in her clients’ homes. Please reach out to book Amy for your next wine tasting or to start curating your own personalized wine collection.

Chef Austin spent years training as a competitive cook while also working in various kitchens before landing his dream job at world renowned Alinea, a 3-Star Michelin restaurant in Chicago. After leaving Alinea, Chef joined the Culinary Instructor team at Le Cordon Bleu and created the schools first competition cooking club. Now as the CEO and Founder of EPC, he is on a mission to teach hospitality professionals how to create long term success; independently. Chef Austin grew up in South Carolina where he first discovered a passion for cooking in his grandmother’s kitchen. Working in restaurants throughout high school, he fell in love with the industry and decided to move to Chicago and pursue a career in culinary arts.

Michele is a seasoned server and bartender with experience in private events and in-home dining experiences. She brings a calm, friendly energy to events and is equally comfortable crafting batched cocktails, serving classic drinks, or providing seamless table service alongside a private chef. Detail-oriented and guest-focused, Michele takes pride in creating an elevated yet relaxed experience that makes clients and guests feel well taken care of.

Hi, I’m Christian Solis, a professional bartender with 4.5+ years of experience in high end hospitality, including The Langham Hotel Chicago and its restaurant, Travelle, plus 2.5+ years in catering and events. I’m known for friendly, efficient service, a polished bar presence, and creating a welcoming atmosphere for every guest. Whether you’re hosting an intimate gathering or a large celebration, I focus on smooth execution, great cocktails, and hospitality that feels effortless.

Kevin Parks, known to many in the industry as “KP,” is a Certified Sommelier with over 15 years of experience in hospitality and beverage leadership. He has dedicated the last five years exclusively to the wine industry, working both on the floor as a sommelier and on the sales side as a representative for a boutique, family-owned distributor based in Charleston, South Carolina. Kevin’s career began in restaurants at the age of 19, where he developed a passion for hospitality and beverage service. With more than a decade of bartending experience and several years managing bar programs, he cultivated a strong foundation in service, operations, and guest engagement. His transition into wine allowed him to merge technical expertise with storytelling, making him equally effective in guiding guests through memorable dining experiences or supporting accounts in building thoughtful wine programs. Currently preparing for the Advanced Sommelier examination, Kevin continues to expand his knowledge and refine his palate. He is known for his approachable style, ability to connect with people, and commitment to elevating both the guest and client experience through wine.

Chef Kai is classically trained in French cuisine, has expertise in Japanese techniques, and over 13 years experience in the culinary industry across the US and in Australia. Chef Kai has cooked for celebrities, worked with Michelin chefs and James Beard winners, and has been awarded with the P.O.W.E.R. (Professional Organization of Women of Excellence Recognized) honor in 2021-23. Chef Kai has led multiple restaurants who were recognized as People's Choice Award winners and Michelin Guide Recommended. “I am really fortunate to be a part of the prestigious talent in the EPC team. What we are doing isn’t just representing a brand; it's a unique opportunity to use food to bring people together by combining my passion for cooking with the joy of serving.”

Chef Bryan Maurice is a Michelin-trained private chef known for delivering refined, restaurant-level dining experiences in intimate settings. His culinary style blends Modern American creativity with classical French structure and Mediterranean influence, resulting in menus that feel elegant, seasonal, and thoughtfully composed. With experience producing multi-course tasting menus, elevated plated dinners, and custom event dining, Bryan specializes in creating seamless in-home culinary experiences that balance sophistication with warmth and approachability. His work emphasizes clean flavors, intentional presentation, and high-quality ingredients, whether preparing a celebratory birthday tasting menu, curated seafood-forward dinner, or upscale family gathering. Bryan’s Michelin-level training informs his technique, pacing, and attention to detail, allowing him to execute fine-dining service standards in private residences and boutique event settings while keeping the experience relaxed and personal for guests. In addition to private dining, Bryan is the founder of 2nd Team Entertainment, a creative production company built on the philosophy that when the first team misses the moment, the best team steps up. His culinary and creative work often intersect through storytelling-driven dining experiences and curated hospitality projects. Bryan was recently recognized as a finalist in the Favorite Chef competition, reflecting both his culinary skill and the strong support of his growing community of guests and clients. Known for professionalism, adaptability, and calm execution under pressure, Chef Bryan brings polish, creativity, and reliability to every event he serves—creating memorable meals that feel intentional, elevated, and worthy of the occasion.

A dynamic, upbeat hospitality professional with a strong sales background and a sharp creative eye. As the owner of Bear & Mason, he specializes in brand, product, and event photography for food and beverage businesses, creating content built for websites, social media, and marketing campaigns. With years of experience in wine and beer business development across the Southeast, he brings an insider understanding of what sells, what tells a story, and what makes a brand feel premium. Whether he is photographing chefs in action, capturing a wine dinner, or supporting a beverage program through education and engagement, he shows up prepared, personable, and detail-driven.

Charlotte-based private chef specializing in curated tasting experiences and intimate luxury dining. Background in high-level kitchens including Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse and Halls Chophouse. Focused on precision, consistency, and elevated guest experience.

Hi, I’m Nina — a Chicago-based Executive Chef serving both Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. I bring restaurant-quality food into your home, but without the stiffness or formality. My style is elevated, thoughtful, and completely tailored to you. I’ve spent years working in high-level kitchens and leading teams, and what I love most now is creating experiences that feel personal. Whether it’s an intimate dinner party, weekly meal prep, a special celebration, or something totally unique, I’m here for it. Truly—anything and everything. My cooking is rooted in seasonal ingredients, bold, well-balanced flavors, and a modern approach that feels both elevated and approachable. I’m comfortable adapting to whatever my clients need—whether that’s clean, consistent meals for the week, an intimate in-home dining experience, or something in between. Every menu is thoughtfully customized to fit your preferences, lifestyle, and the occasion, with the goal of making great food feel effortless and enjoyable. I keep things organized, professional, and seamless on the back end, so you can just enjoy great food without the stress. No overcomplication, no ego—just really good food, done right. If you have an idea, I’d love to bring it to life!

Jack is an experienced bartender, bar lead, and customer experience extraordinaire. With over 10 years of experience, he is a vibe creator who ensures both your drinks and party go beyond expectations. A true people person, he loves to create, facilitate and anticipate your every need for a successful and memorable event. Jack is an accomplished bartender having worked in Michelin star restaurants and bars, and possesses the ability and knowledge to provide you and your guests with a vibrant and memorable experience, whatever the occasion.

Originally from South Carolina, Blake Morton has spent over a decade working on the floor and building a deep, hands-on understanding of wine and hospitality. His journey began at age 21, planting vines at Eagle Mountain Winery, where he developed an early appreciation for viticulture and the work that happens long before a bottle reaches the table. Blake went on to refine his service and wine knowledge as a floor manager and sommelier at respected restaurants including Halls Chophouse and Urban Wren, and he currently serves on the floor at Urban Grub in Nashville, Tennessee. Known for his warm guest-facing style and thoughtful approach to wine pairing, Blake excels at making wine approachable while still elevating the dining experience. He holds his Level 1 Sommelier certification and brings a strong balance of technical knowledge, service leadership, and genuine hospitality to every event he works.

Professional, experienced bartender and hospitality pro serving the Las Vegas area, known for polished service and a great guest experience.

Hi, I’m Jen Butt, a newly certified bartender serving the Chicagoland area and Wisconsin, with a passion for craft cocktails, warm hospitality, and creating unforgettable experiences. With formal training in mixology and responsible alcohol service, I’m excited to bring my energy, professionalism, and creativity to every shift behind the bar. Before becoming a bartender, I worked as a lead server at a wide range of events—including private cheffing dinner parties, weddings, and large-scale receptions. These experiences sharpened my ability to thrive in fast-paced environments while delivering thoughtful, attentive service. Whether it’s an intimate gathering or a lively celebration, I love helping guests feel comfortable, cared for, and ready to enjoy the moment. Now, I’m looking to grow in the hospitality industry with a team that values quality, collaboration, and great guest experiences—one drink (and one connection) at a time.

MaryKate is a professional restaurant server and bartender with a decade of experience in the service industry. She has experience in both private in-home events and restaurant-hosted events. She brings a high level of hospitality, efficiency, and attention to detail to every setting, from intimate dinners to large-scale celebrations. Skilled in full-service dining, cocktail service, and bar operations, she focuses on creating seamless, welcoming experiences that allow guests and hosts to fully enjoy the event.

I have been studying mixology for twenty five years. I started in restaurants in Milwaukee WI and started working in catering events in Philadelphia, PA. I offer beverage pairings for dinner services and customized cocktails for each event based on the style of cuisine being served at dinner service.

Big Jon lives in Greenville, South Carolina where he has worked for the last 18 years, working in and watching the craft beer scene take hold and grow. He got his first job in foodservice at 14 years old and has been active in the hospitality industry ever since. He has over 30 years of experience at every level in a restaurant in both front and back of house, but he has fine tuned his focus in the business to beer since returning to Greenville in 2007. Big Jon is a Certified Cicerone and is recognized as one of the pre-eminent beer experts in South Carolina. He has organized and hosted dozens of beer dinners at restaurants and venues across the upstate, and he is the co-host of the beer2whiskey podcast. He has helped open multiple restaurants and craft beer bars in the upstate, and he now teaches beer and hosts beer-centric events all across South Carolina.

As a passionate beverage and hospitality professional, I have spent the last 15 years building a single restaurant into a large scale hospitality brand. The heart of my experience lies in developing business, beverage, teams and restaurant culture.

Seasoned bartender and front of house professional with a strong background in high end service and extensive cocktail knowledge. Known for warm, confident hospitality, a polished bar presence, and smooth execution in fast paced settings. Offers a pop up bar experience for in home and venue events, with elevated classic cocktails, creative seasonal specials, and a service style that keeps guests feeling taken care of. From intimate gatherings to large celebrations, she brings organization, professionalism, and memorable drinks to every event.

A Court of Master Sommeliers' Intro Sommelier with a lifelong passion for wine, Kevin brings both enthusiasm and thoughtful perspective to every glass he pours. His appreciation for wine began early and has evolved into a focused study of regional expression, tradition, and terroir, guided by formal sommelier training and years of hands‑on exploration. Kevin’s primary areas of specialization are Italian sparkling wines—with particular interest in Franciacorta, Trentodoc (and other Metodo Classico styles), and Sicilian red varietals, including Nerello Mascalese, Nero d’Avola, and Frappato. He is especially drawn to Sicily’s volcanic soils and the balance of power and elegance found in wines from Mount Etna and surrounding regions. Known for an approachable teaching style, Kevin enjoys helping guests and clients build confidence in their wine choices, whether through guided tastings, food‑pairing recommendations, or in‑depth conversations about producers and winemaking philosophies. He believes great wine should be both educational and joyful, and that the best bottles are those that tell a story worth sharing. Kevin continues to expand his studies and tasting experience, with a commitment to ongoing professional development and a deep respect for the craft and culture of winemaking.