L.A. Gourmet

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.

Since l.a. Gourmet’s kitchen opened in September of 2006, the sisters have been honored to play part in the special events of Champaign and Urbana. After only two years of service, Lauren and Annie were honored by the University of Illinois' College of ACES as 2008 recipients of the Outstanding Young Alumni Award. Each year, the staff at L.A. Gourmet has executed countless unique events from cocktail receptions to bar mitzvah’s and hundreds of custom designed weddings with a modern twist on the traditional dish. Serving meals from fifteen guests to five thousand, the kitchen and wait staff is well prepared for an evening as simple or elaborate as your needs require.

Lauren and Annie's passion for food and entertaining is evident in their motto- "Eat well.Entertain often. Impress always." To watch the entire TV interview with Lauren and Annie CLICK HERE