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ABOUT US

Black Rooster Catering began in 1982 while Mark was in graduate school at the University of Chicago.  Names and partners changed, evolving to today as Black Rooster.  We are a small company, providing personal attention to customers and cuisine, and are wholly owned by the wife and husband team of Mindy Friedler and Mark Bires.  Black Rooster is a sister company to Jerry's Sandwiches, and you will find cross-links within this site.

Jennifer Lally
Jennifer is the company's catering manager, with a background in event production and catering.  Jennifer graduated from Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago with a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish.  Concurrent studies in Spain, Mexico and Cuba inspired a passion for cuisine, and a move to Los Angeles brought her into the world of entertainment industry catering and where she became Event Producer at Park Plaza Events, a full-scale catering and event company.  Jennifer returned to her midwest roots in 2006 where she joined Fox & Obel Catering.  Jennifer was lured to Black Rooster Catering in the fall of 2007.  Jennifer has strong skills in menu design, catering production, and event planning, including decor, lighting, entertainment, and props.

Mindy Friedler
Mindy is the company's operations manager and occasional pastry chef.  She is a former attorney and consultant, having left those fields for the riches and fame of the restaurant business.  She is a graduate of the University of Michigan and NYU Law School, and with prior waitressing, catering, and hotel experience, Mindy joined Mark in the business in 2001.  Mindy adds friendliness and professionalism to the company, not completely unlike perfume on a pig.

Mark Bires
The company's chef with twenty+ years experience in food including catering, foodservice, restaurant and retail.  Mark's cooking reflects a strong interest in American regional cuisine, and a great love for the cuisine and culture of New Orleans.  He is also the company's computer wizard, except when the web site is down and then it's likely Mindy's fault.  He is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Chicago.  He is a curmudgeon, but lovable, by most accounts.