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.
We understand the holidays are going to look a little different this year. If you’re like us, you may be trying out some new family traditions. We’re here to help make that possible. Let Lockbox do the cooking and indulge in Thanksgiving classics like Smashed Toasted Marshmallow Sweet Potatoes served with Herb Roasted Turkey or switch … Continued
“This cocktail has all the Fall feels with some good ginger spice to it.” – Lockbox Beverage Director, Brian Walters Not-A-Rita 1.5 oz. Grapefruit Lime Cordial 4 oz. Ginger Beer Top with soda Garnish with lime twist and thyme
Pro Tip: Make the brine the day before – that way it has plenty of time to cool. Adding hot or warm brine will poach the turkey. – Executive Chef Cody DeRosett > Printable recipe for you personal cookbook > Full 21c Chef Family Cookbook Trying one of this recipe at-home? Share with us on social … Continued
Join us for Lockbox Live on Thursday, October 8th at 21c Museum Hotel Lexington from 7 to 9 pm – presented by Country Boy Brewing and featuring music by Kenny Owens. Enjoy LIVE music, a country boy inspired menu by Chef Cody DeRosett, and Country Boy Brewing Keeneland Ale along with other Country Boy Brewing selections. Seating … Continued
Join us for Lockbox Live on Thursday, October 8th at 21c Museum Hotel Lexington from 7 to 9 pm – presented by Country Boy Brewing and featuring music by Kenny Owens. Enjoy LIVE music, a country boy inspired menu by Chef Cody DeRosett, and Country Boy Brewing Keeneland Ale along with other Country Boy Brewing selections. Seating … Continued
We know Derby looks a little different this year. So we’ve decided to help bring some Derby day magic to you. Celebrate the races from the comfort of your home with Chef Cody’s Take-Home Derby Dinner. From Pimento Mac & Cheese to Fried Chicken, Chef’s to-go menu has all the comfort food you’ll need for your intimate … Continued
Lockbox will be offering Take-Home Dinner Kits Sunday, August 30th to benefit No Kid Hungry, a national campaign to end child hunger in the United States. Pre-order for dinner kits begins Friday, August 14th and end on Friday, August 28th. Email khopkins@lockboxlex.com or call 859-899-6860 to place your order. Didn’t plan ahead? That’s okay too. Pick-up day-of … Continued
“This traditional dish is quick and simple to make. It’s something you’d have at your Granny’s house on a Sunday afternoon or at a summer potluck. You can make this side dish with just about any meal, my favorite is to have it with fried chicken and cornbread.” – Executive Chef Cody DeRosett > Printable Recipe … Continued
Did you know Great Bagel stone-mills their own organic grains in-house? Well they do! And we’re big fans. So much so, that we source some of our ingredients from them. We are excited that brunch has returned and we have brought back some crowd favorites like the egg sandwich and chicken biscuit. We’re also … Continued
An excerpt from 6 Breakfast-Inspired Cocktails by Chilled Magazine Temper Tantrum Courtesy of Lockbox at 21c Museum Hotel in Lexington, Kentucky At Lockbox at 21c Museum Hotel, a boutique hotel and contemporary art museum in Lexington, Kentucky, grapefruit, a classic juice enjoyed during breakfast is a featured ingredient in the specialty cocktail, “temper tantrum.” The grapefruit cordial, made from … Continued
