Speakers 2026
The education opportunities at Catersource + The Special Event feature presentations from more than 100 industry luminaries who have been there, done that, and are armed with content that’s trendy, thought-provoking, and always influential.
Houston Loper, Owner and CEO, HL Catering Company
Houston cultivated his cooking experience working under Chef Kevin Rathbun and Chef Buddy Holly at the famous Atlanta Fish Market. He then attended culinary school at the Art Institute of Atlanta. Following graduation in 2003, Chef Houston opened several restaurants and began catering services in Macon, Georgia. To challenge his culinary abilities, Chef Houston decided to focus only on HL Catering as he enjoyed making each of his clients' events memorable and one of a kind. Chef Houston and his wife, Katie, moved the catering business to Raleigh as Katie convinced him that the business potential in the Triangle is growing exponentially, as well as Katie happens to be a Tar Heel born and bred.