Mary Crafts, CEO and President

When Mary started Culinary Crafts in 1984, her sights were set on always being her very best. Twenty-eight years later, she's catering events for Oprah Winfrey during the Sundance Film Festival, her company is the largest off-premise caterer in Utah, and she is known as Utah's Martha Stewart!

The success of Culinary Crafts has lead to local and national recognition for Mary both as a businesswoman and a caterer. Mary received the Excellence in Leadership award from the Woodbury School of Business, she’s been named one of Utah’s 30 Women to Watch, and was twice named “Outstanding Business Woman of the Year”. Her events and catering tips are regularly featured in national media such as Martha Stewart’s Wedding website, “The Knot” wedding blog, Colin Cowie’s television show “Get Married”, and Catering Magazine. Locally Mary has become a familiar face on “Good Things Utah”, “Good Morning Utah” and on KBYU public television, where Mary’s popular cooking show “Culinary Creations” is still being aired. Mary writes a monthly restaurant review for Utah Valley Magazine and her wedding and catering tips are often featured in Utah Bride and Groom, Utah Valley Bride and Latter Day Bride magazines. Mary is honored to serve on the Salt Lake Visitors and Convention Bureau Board of Trustees, The Board of Directors of the Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce and as an Honorary Director of the International Caterers Association.

Mary’s gift for sharing has also put her in the spotlight as a keynote speaker and presenter. She frequently presents educational seminars for the International Caterers Association, and is asked by dozens of business and educational organizations every year to be a keynote speaker for classes, meetings and conferences. Mary is also a champion for Utah. She never misses an opportunity to promote local food purveyors and to highlight Utah as a destination for national and international conventions.

Mary also volunteers for several non-profit service organizations. She's a passionate supporter of the United Way, and was featured on their national television and radio commercials, and served as the President of Women In Philanthropy for two years. Mary is also a volunteer for the Welcome Baby Program, and is a mentor for business students at the Utah Valley University. Mary gives thanks every day for the blessings of her family and friends and for the opportunity to share with others her hard won life lessons and success.

Ryan Crafts, Director of Catering and Operations

Because he started sooo young, Ryan has worked in just about every capacity at Culinary Crafts. From dishwasher to event manager to pay roll secretary to senior grill master to fleet manager (meaning he made sure the 12 catering vehicles were in tip top mechanical shape at all times), Ryan really has done it all. So, of course he couldn’t help becoming a certified gourmet foodie along the way. Ryan never tires of the creative challenges involved in orchestrating large events, and he truly loves sharing his passion for food with Culinary Crafts' clients and staff. It just never gets boring for him!

Currently Ryan is the Director of Catering and supervises the on site execution of Culinary Crafts’ events. From setting a dining room for an eight-course meal to perfectly searing the sea bass, Ryan oversees all the details required to maintain Culinary Crafts’ high standard of excellence. He ensures that the grand vision designed by the event planners and the client becomes a reality.

Kaleb Crafts, Director of Operations and Corporate Sales

Catering is in his blood it seems. Kaleb’s parents started Culinary Crafts the year he was born. One of his parent’s first great advertising ideas is also a fond childhood memory for Kaleb. When he was three, his brother Ryan and he would pull their Radio Flyer wagon, full of Culinary Crafts' now famous Sourdough Bread, around the neighborhoods of Provo. Who could say no to these two adorable salesmen?

At five, Kaleb would race to put away dishes as fast as my mom could wash them. Then at twelve he worked as the dishwasher during summers. During his teenage years Kaleb worked with his dad in the bakery department. He worked there five summers, and on Saturday mornings during his high school years. Following his LDS mission he took on the responsibilities of catering event manager. After 4 years of managing events, Kaleb moved into his current position of Corporate Sales and Planning and Operations Coordinator. Having seen the business from all angles, Kaleb can speak with authority on almost every topic a client or employee may ask about!

Marco Niccoli, Executive Chef

Marco interned under our executive chef for 5 years, honing his natural gifts for handling the complexities of professional catering. He did so well that when he completed his apprenticeship we invited him to accept the executive chef position.

Marco loves the challenges and excels at the creative projects that are part of the daily routine of a professional chef. He does a spectacular job overseeing food preparation for the 500+ events Culinary Crafts does every year.