April 24, 2017

Meet Zachary Greatting, Joe Gancarz & Julia Greatting of Brix Catering & Events in Roscoe Village

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Zachary Greatting, Joe Gancarz & Julia Greatting.

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.

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.

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 has 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 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.

We caught up with Zachary to ask a few questions.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
As with any business, we have had our fair share of struggles. The biggest challenge is learning the ins and outs of licensing, zoning, and working with the City of Chicago. I always joke that I should start a consulting company for people starting businesses sharing all that I have learned. Additionally not paying yourself for while getting things going can be a hard lesson, but looking back I have no regrets. The sacrifice was definitely worth it.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Brix Catering & Events – what should we know?
Brix has become known for our ability to be completely custom. From your wedding to a plated dinner to a plated dinner party for twelve if you can think of it we can accomplish it. With over 20 years of combined fine dining experience, our team brings the experience of fine dining to your next event. An owner of this business will be involved from planning to your actual event. We do this because we love this and it comes through in our work.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My wife Julia has been there from the start and I could not do this without her. She is not only my partner in life but in this business. It doesn’t work for every couple to be in business together, but we wouldn’t have it any other way.

My best friend and now business partner Joe. He has also helped me from the very beginning even before joining the team. Now having him here has allowed the business to go to another level.

My parents have been our biggest fans and supporters. I truly couldn’t ask for a more supportive set of parents and family.

Our repeat clients. Without their continued support and referrals we would have never grown to where we are and to where we hope to be.

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