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."