Brix Catering & Events is a dynamic team combining the skills of a classically trained Chef, Sommelier, and Event Planner to ensure your next event is spectacular from start to finish. We have the experience, the passion and the keen attention to detail that a memorable event requires.
Hire Brix for traditional catering, an elegantly-coursed meal, wine pairings, chef demonstrations, or full scale event coordination.
ZACH GREATTING _ OWNER & SOMMELIER
Zachary Greatting started Brix Catering & Events in 2012 as a passion project, to bring food and wine pairing to people’s homes. After completing culinary school at Kendall College, and the Wine Intensive at the Culinary Institute of America Greystone, Zachary worked as Assistant Sommelier at the two Michelin starred restaurant Ria. It was during this time that the original idea for Brix came to fruition. After Ria closed, Zach took a position in wine sales, which allowed him the time on nights and weekends to start catering. One wine dinner led to another, and referrals grew the business from a hobby to the full service catering and events company that Brix is today.
JOE GANCARZ _ EXECUTIVE CHEF & PARTNER
Executive Chef Joe Gancarz began his culinary career out of necessity during college. These humble beginnings in a series of fast casual restaurants were just the start of an already impressive career. Joe left the traditional safe route and pursued culinary school at Chicago’s Kendall College. The many accolades Joe received at school including deans list and being selected as teaching assistant, point to his never fail attitude that have carried him through his culinary career. After school Joe worked in a series of Michelin starred restaurants including a position as Chef de Cuisine responsible for a large portion of the menu that earned the star as well as a 2015 Zagat 30 under 30 Best Young Innovative Chefs. Today Joe has taken the position of Executive Chef and partner at Brix, forming a new partnership with his friend from the first day of culinary school. He is poised to bring the Michelin Star experience to the world of catering and eventually to a series of restaurant projects the new partnership will create.
JULIA GREATTING _ CATERING AND EVENTS DIRECTOR & PARTNER
Julia knew from a very early age that she wanted to plan events. From arranging flowers, to pulling all of the details together Julia has always excelled when it comes to the perfect party. A degree in International Business led to her first job in political fundraising, specifically setting up events. From there Julia moved to the corporate setting, spending several years with Marriott planning large scale corporate events in Chicago. Julia was then offered a position running the catering division for Pastoral, all the while helping her now husband start Brix. Julia is pleased to be on board full time making sure our events are not only executed perfectly, but also have a special touch that only a family business can bring.
