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Earlier this week, Kaleb Crafts, Culinary Crafts’ CFO, received a special recognition. At an awards ceremony at the Capitol Theater, Kaleb was named Best Boss in the Salt Lake City hospitality field.
The recognition came as one of eight awards given by Visit Salt Lake, a private community organization that promotes Salt Lake City as a destination for travel and tourism. Each year, their SALT Awards recognize the top leaders in Utah hospitality who demonstrate Service, Accomplishment, Leadership, and Tenacity (SALT). The Best Boss award acknowledges a leader who “inspires, motivates, and fosters a culture of excellence and growth.”
Along with the award came a check for $2,000 to a charity of Kaleb’s choice.
Kaleb Crafts: Best Boss
Kaleb Crafts has worked in hospitality ever since he was old enough to scrub a pan. His parents started the Utah catering company Culinary Crafts the same year Kaleb was born. He and his older brother Ryan grew up elbows-deep in the family business. They spent countless early-morning hours working alongside their parents and learning the essentials of high-end catering.
By the time their parents retired in 2018, Culinary Crafts had established itself as Utah’s premier catering company. Kaleb and Ryan took over and continued building the legacy of excellence. As Chief Sales Officer, Kaleb took the company to new heights in size and profitability. Year after year, they raise the bar for luxury catering in Utah. To date, they have won an astonishing 27 Best of State awards. In 2024 and again in 2025, the company won recognition from the International Caterers Association as one of the top caterers in the world.
People First
But Kaleb doesn’t put awards or profitability over people. His top value is true hospitality—taking care of others and treating them better than they expect. And he extends that hospitality to clients, guests, and his team as well.
When the catering industry came to a crashing halt during the Covid pandemic, many companies cut their losses by closing their doors. Kaleb made a tough choice to support his employees. With virtually zero business coming in and no idea of how long the pandemic might last, he risked losing everything his family had worked so hard to build. Yet he decided to keep the doors open so that his core team would keep getting their paychecks and insurance. He came up with creative ways to generate work and keep morale high. At substantial loss to the company, Culinary Crafts took care of its team until the economy finally picked up again two years later. That kind of loyalty is rare. For that and many other reasons, we think Kaleb deserves the recognition as the Best Boss in the Utah hospitality business.
Eight More Nominees!
But Kaleb wasn’t the only one from Culinary Crafts who was recognized at the ceremony. Eight other outstanding Culinary Crafts team members also received nominations.
Danielle Mahoney and Mischa Chobaz received nominations for the Restaurant Behind the Scenes award—”working tirelessly to bring the finest flavors and experiences to the table.”
Mischa was also nominated for Restaurant Front and Center—“culinary artists and service experts who create unforgettable dining experiences.”
Anthony Stoddard and Casey Braithewaite both received nominations for the Facility Operations award—“maintaining the highest standards of safety, cleanliness, and functionality.”
Photos by Logan Walker
Jocelyn Gillies, Madison Oliveria, and Meagan Price all were nominated for the Scene Makers award—”saluting the creatives and innovators who design and deliver extraordinary experiences in entertainment and events.”
Clayton Price was nominated for Spirit of Service—”honoring those that serve their community in ways that elevate an experience for visitors”
Kudos to all of you for the much deserved recognition!
Photos by Logan Walker
To learn what our amazing team can do for your next Utah catered event, or to see Utah weddings, corporate events, or other special occasions we’ve catered, contact us through our website.
