Celebrity Chef Network connects brands and businesses with Indianapolis’ top culinary talent to create elevated, chef-driven events that spark connection and conversation.
Indianapolis has evolved into one of the Midwest’s most dynamic culinary destinations. Known for its craftsmanship, hospitality, and bold creativity, the city’s chefs offer a diverse range of dining experiences — from modern tasting menus to globally inspired comfort food. For corporate dinners, client entertainment, leadership retreats, and VIP gatherings, these chefs and venues deliver an unmatched blend of authenticity and sophistication.
Below are ten leading chefs and dining experiences shaping Indianapolis’ culinary landscape, along with the event formats they’re best suited for.
1. Abbi Merriss — Bluebeard
Event Expertise: A multi-time James Beard Award nominee, Abbi Merriss is known for her inventive, globally inspired approach to Midwestern cuisine. Her warm hospitality and creative menus make her a standout for intimate leadership dinners or high-end private tastings.
Event/Space Info: Bluebeard offers a mix of eclectic, seasonal dishes and can accommodate curated corporate groups for elevated, chef-driven experiences.
- Greg Hardesty — Studio C / Recess (Legacy)
Event Hosting: The late Greg Hardesty remains one of Indy’s most influential culinary figures. His restaurants, Recess and Studio C, set the standard for chef’s table formats and rotating tasting menus.
Event/Space Info: Studio C continues to host intimate, highly personalized culinary experiences ideal for executive groups, board dinners, or private chef activations.
- Neal Brown — Ukiyo / Libertine
Corporate Potential: Neal Brown helped define the city’s modern dining scene through thoughtful technique and global influences.
Event/Space Info: Ukiyo and Libertine can host curated events upon request, providing immersive Japanese-inspired or cocktail-driven experiences perfect for networking dinners or creative brand activations.
4. Micah Frank — Black Market
Event Expertise: Co-founder Micah Frank is known for his rustic, farm-forward approach, blending European influences with Indiana’s seasonal bounty.
Event/Space Info: Black Market offers hearty, comfort-driven menus and can host intimate corporate dinners, culinary workshops, or small-group tastings.
5. Alan Sternberg — Iozzo’s Garden of Italy / Cerulean (Legacy)
Corporate Fit: A James Beard semifinalist, Alan Sternberg brings modern techniques and stunning visual presentation to Italian and American classics.
Event/Space Info: His menus are well-suited for chef-led private dining, upscale client entertainment, or custom culinary collaborations.
6. Stephen J. Beck — Vida
Event Expertise: As executive chef of Vida, Stephen Beck leads one of Indianapolis’ most acclaimed fine-dining programs.
Event/Space Info: Vida features globally inspired tasting menus, robust wine offerings, and an elevated setting ideal for VIP client dinners, corporate celebrations, or executive retreats.
- Craig Baker — The Local Eatery & Pub
Corporate Use: Craig Baker’s elevated take on approachable comfort food makes him a popular choice for relaxed-yet-thoughtful corporate gatherings.
Event/Space Info: The Local Eatery offers farm-focused dishes and a casual, welcoming environment suited for team dinners, networking events, or leadership lunches.
8. Tony Hanslits — Nicole-Taylor’s Pasta
Service: Artisan Pasta & Private Dining
Corporate Potential: Chef Tony Hanslits is a master of handmade pasta and intimate Italian dining experiences.
Event/Space Info: Nicole-Taylor’s Pasta provides small-group dinners, pasta-making demos, and hands-on culinary activations perfect for VIP groups or leadership off-sites.
- David Foegley — St. Elmo Steak House
Corporate Fit: As one of the leaders behind St. Elmo, David Foegley maintains the legacy of one of Indy’s most iconic restaurants.
Event/Space Info: St. Elmo’s private dining rooms accommodate corporate and executive groups seeking classic steakhouse hospitality and the restaurant’s signature shrimp cocktail experience.
10. Carlos Salazar — Rook (Legacy)
Event Expertise: Carlos Salazar is known for his bold, modern Asian street food and innovative Filipino-inspired dishes.
Event/Space Info: Though Rook has closed, Salazar remains a top choice for pop-up events, chef collaborations, brand activations, and unique culinary experiences centered on global flavors.
Best Options by Group Size
Larger Corporate Events:
St. Elmo Steak House (multiple private rooms)
Vida (high-end tasting menus + wine program)
Medium Private Dining:
Bluebeard (chef-driven seasonal menus)
The Local Eatery (casual elevated hospitality)
Small Boutique & VIP Groups:
Nicole-Taylor’s Pasta (hands-on experiences)
Studio C (chef’s table, intimate fine dining)
How Celebrity Chef Network Helps
Chef Matching: We pair your event goals, budget, and audience with the perfect Indianapolis chef or venue.
Unbiased Representation: We represent you — ensuring transparent fees and flexible, customized experiences.
Full-Service Support: From menu curation to logistics, AV needs, wine pairings, staffing, and chef demos, we manage every detail.
Ready to Plan Your Indianapolis Culinary Event?
Indianapolis’ chef-driven dining scene offers creativity, warmth, and world-class hospitality — the perfect foundation for unforgettable corporate gatherings.
Celebrity Chef Network is here to bring your vision to life.
Contact us today to begin planning your chef-led event in Indianapolis.