Hello, I’m Chef Lonnie Richardson, and I’d like to take a moment to share my journey and the story behind the creation of Lonnie’s Catering.

Around two decades ago, my path led me into the world of culinary arts quite unexpectedly. It may surprise you to know that my initial career aspirations had nothing to do with cooking; I had always dreamed of becoming a police officer. However, fate had a different plan in store for me.

At that time, I was working as a security officer at Harrah’s Casino. When the casino decided to retain security officers with more experience, which included retired police officers and military personnel, I found myself at a crossroads. I was offered the opportunity to transfer to any department within the casino that had an opening.

Housekeeping and slot technician roles didn’t quite align with my interests, but the buffet caught my eye. Perhaps it was the allure of meeting interesting people, especially since I assumed I’d be stationed at the front of the house. To my surprise, I was assigned to work in the back of the house as a prep person.

Despite the unexpected assignment, I decided to make the most of this opportunity. Over time, I was promoted three times within the culinary department. About a year and a half later, I received an intriguing proposition: Would I be interested in attending culinary school? By then, my excitement for the culinary world had taken root, so I eagerly agreed to embark on the journey of becoming a chef.

Fast forward five years, and I found myself faced with an exciting challenge. I was asked to prepare a birthday gathering for a friend’s wife. With little experience in catering or event cooking, I hesitantly accepted the request. To my astonishment, the event was a tremendous success. This experience ignited a passion within me, and I made the decision to establish my own catering business.

And that’s how Lonnie’s Catering came into existence—an unexpected and remarkable journey from casino security to the culinary world, driven by a passion for food and a desire to create memorable dining experiences for others. Thank you for joining me on this culinary adventure, and I look forward to serving you with the same dedication and enthusiasm that started it all.