Background :: For Cru Catering Director Chad Rhodes, “hospitality” might as well be his middle name. A native of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Chad grew up working in his family’s restaurant. For him, hospitality has always been a way of life.

He was first introduced to Lowcountry cuisine in 1995 when he moved to Charleston. After spending several years at Sonoma Wine Bar with Chef John Zucker, he became familiar with American fusion cuisine and the love for wine. His culinary fascination continued to blossom as he discovered ingredients from around the world and the endless possibilities that were available. As the banquet manager at one of the Southeast’s most highly-touted restaurants, McCrady’s, Chad got his first taste at planning and executing events.

When he joined the Cru Catering team in 2006, he realized the endless opportunities that came along with the position. With his past always being in a restaurant, he felt confined to one location and one way of doing things but at Cru, he appreciates the wide variety of venues, events and clients that continue to allow him and his team to think outside of the box, so no two events are ever the same. He lives on James Island with his wife, Jessica, and their daughter, Harper.

Background :: Spending most of her life exploring the diverse cuisines of the North East, Emily fell in love with food at an early age.  Realizing this, she quickly dove head first into the Hospitality Industry where she experienced the food and beverage world from the ground up. To further her education as well as to experience a cuisine unfamiliar to her own she moved to Charleston where she attended the College of Charleston. Graduating with a double major in Business Administration and Hospitality and Tourism Management Emily knew she wanted to be involved in Charleston’s Hospitality Industry.

After four years of furthering her food and beverage experience in the Charleston area, she was introduced to Chef Zucker, and took a position as Catering Manager with Cru Catering. Fascinated by the modern cuisine, fresh ingredients, and phenomenal chefs that Cru has to offer, Emily’s love for the catering industry continues to grow daily.

Background :: Shawn, a native of Asheville, North Carolina, received his high school diploma at age 16. He began his culinary career in the back of the house keeping things clean as a young dishwasher and quickly climbed the ranks becoming skilled behind the line as a sous chef. He continued his career with Le Cordon Bleu graduate, Chef John Zucker, and has been a part of Cru Catering since its inception. Shawn’s love for food continues to thrive and loves the fact that his creations can help make memories for others. His favorite dish is eggplant rollatini with fresh spinach and broccoli over a bed of fresh linguine and marinara and loves the culinary work of celebrity chef Mario Batali.

Background :: Not only does Matt serve up Cru Catering creations for events of all sizes, he has also served our country in the United States Army. As a member of the Cru staff for more than ten years, Matt likes to work with different cuts of meat. From smoking to braising to slow cooking meats, his patience allows him to enjoy the time and love it takes to create something delicious. He’s very detail oriented and his advice for others when it comes to events...”Triple check everything, then check one more time.”  You can rest assured that your event will be one of a kind with Matt at the helm.

Background :: Raised in Illinois Brian quickly found a passion for food which has continued for over 20 years.  Moving  to Charleston in 1999 he enrolled in Johnson & Wales University where he met and developed friendships with many of the chefs cooking in Charleston today.  After graduating in 2001, Brian took up kitchen positions at Peninsula Grill, Mercato, Al di La, and Fulton Five where he perfected his favorite cuisine: Italian! All this before making his way to Cru Catering. If you were to ask Brian his favorite part about cooking he would answer with the instant gratification he gets when he can see how much people enjoy his food.

Background :: A 2005 magnum cum laude graduate of Johnson & Wales University, Steve loves any opportunity to showcase his creative skills. Originally from Wisconsin, he enjoys making unique sauces and dressings that complement dishes. He also enjoys spending his spare time with his daughter, Emma Annabelle. His favorite celebrity chef is Anthony Bourdain and his only advice when it comes to planning an event...”Put up your feet and let someone else do the work”. We’re happy to have Steve on our staff to help you put up your feet and leave the event to Cru Catering.

Background :: This father of three never slows down. A graduate of RB Stall High School and Lowcountry native, Tavares aka Var, has been a member of the Cru Catering staff for more than four years. Var loves creating new dishes and helping others enjoy their special events. His only advice to brides-to-be about their upcoming wedding, “Enjoy themselves!” Let Var and other members of the Cru Catering team make your wedding a dream come true.