Born and raised in Lexington, Brian Walters brings over two decades of dedicated service to the city’s dynamic food and beverage scene. Walters launched his hospitality career in Detroit, Michigan as a server, working his way up in establishments including Dudley’s on Short and Local Feed before joining 21c Lexington team in 2017. Now serving as the Food & Beverage Director, Brian strives to create an atmosphere where every guest feels not only welcomed, but also immersed in a culinary journey. He is driven by the belief that food and wine have the power to create lasting memories and connections, making every dining experience a unique and meaningful one. Brian remains deeply connected to his roots in Lexington, where he continues to contribute to the local community. His love for the city and its culinary offerings serves as a driving force behind his commitment to bringing the best of the region to the guests he serves, leaving a lasting impression to all those who have the pleasure of experiencing his hospitality. In his spare time, you can often find Brian exploring the latest culinary trends, seeking inspiration for new dishes and beverages and spending time with his wife, new baby girl and dogs on their farm.
Stephen Holden, part of the original opening team at Lockbox inside 21c Museum Hotel Lexington, now leads the kitchen as Executive Chef, bringing a thoughtful, seasonal perspective to the restaurant’s evolving culinary identity. A Lexington native and longtime contributor to the region’s food scene, Holden has helped shape Lockbox’s creative direction since its inception, with a focus on regional sourcing and globally influenced techniques.
Holden’s menus are driven by the seasons and informed by his exploration of global cuisines—his travels have helped define a style that is ingredient-driven, technique-forward, and conceptually layered. With an academic background in philosophy from Transylvania University, Holden brings a deliberate, intentional approach to cooking—one that balances the practical demands of the kitchen with a deeper inquiry into what food means and how it’s experienced.
Drawing influence from chefs and authors like Sean Brock, Melissa Martin, William Dissen, Jason Hammel, and Jeremy Fox, Holden’s work showcases a reverence for Kentucky ingredients, often reimagined through a contemporary lens. Rather than conforming to a single culinary style, he blends tradition, personal experience, and contemporary technique into a distinctive and evolving approach.
When he’s not in the kitchen, Holden is likely spending weekends with his partner Rachel and their dog Bernard sharing meals, having adventures, exploring estate sales, crate-digging for vinyl, and flower gardening.
Consider us an open invitation to neighbors and out-of-towners alike to raise a glass to hearty food and good company.
Led by Executive Chef Stephen Holden, Lockbox is a neighborhood restaurant serving artfully simple dishes, full of local flavor and character. Our seasonal menu, inspired cocktails, and relaxed atmosphere will give you plenty of reason to start a conversation and feast among friends.
Meet our team
Monday-Friday, 7am-10am
Monday-Friday, 11am-2pm
Saturday-Sunday, 8am-2pm
Sunday-Thursday, 5pm-9pm
Friday-Saturday, 5pm-10pm
Monday-Thursday, 11am-10pm
Friday, 11am-11pm
Saturday, 10am-11pm
Sunday, 10am-10pm
Complimentary valet parking is available Monday-Friday from 11am-2pm during brunch. Valet parking is offered at a rate of $8 during all other meal periods.
Adjoining Lockbox is 21c Museum Hotel Lexington. Its rotating exhibitions of contemporary art and site-specific installations carry over and into our space—creating a one-of-a-kind atmosphere and dining experience.
Whether you’re hosting a romantic rehearsal dinner or an important business luncheon, Lockbox offers our original vault, The Safe, as a private dining room for groups of up to 16 guests. Enjoy custom menus, rich with local flavor, curated by the Lockbox culinary team.
Planning a large gathering or wedding? With over 7,000 square feet of art-filled event space and catering provided by our culinary team, we can make your unique vision come to life.
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