Lauren
and Annie Murray, the "L" and "A" of L. A.
Gourmet Catering are sisters born and raised in the heartland
of Central Illinois. Often referred to simply as the Murray girls.
The sisters have always been challenged
by their entrepreneurial spirits. The daughters of a hard working
business couple, they realized the importance of integrity and
outstanding customer service at a young age.
Entering College, Lauren dreamt
of a fast-track career in corporate finance and Annie aspired
to be the Chef of her own gourmet restaurant. In the spring of
2003, there was a change in plans when the sisters realized that
Annie's love for cooking and flair for presentation and Lauren's
attention to detail and panache for event planning could be united
to create the premier catering company in Central Illinois.
Lauren graduated from the University
of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where she earned a degree in Food
Science and Human Nutrition with a concentration in Hospitality
Management and a minor in Business Administration. Lauren represented
the University of Illinois at the 2006 National Restaurant Association's
Salute to Excellence Gala as a future leader in the hospitality
industry.
Annie also received her Bachelor's
degree in Food Science and Human Nutrition from the University
of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, with a concentration in Hospitality
Management. Annie was an active member of many student organizations
while at the U of I, including three years as the President of
Illinois' Culinary Club and three years in the University of Illinois'
Student Alumni Association. After college, Annie worked for one
of the most prestigious caterers in Dallas, Texas. While at Wendy
Krispin Catering in Dallas, she helped to execute events for 15-500
people ranging in budget from $500 to $100,000.
Lauren and Annie's passion for
food and entertaining is evident in their motto- "Eat
well.
Entertain often. Impress always."
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