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 currently live in a world that is changing rapidly – by the day and by the hour. As we navigate through these times of change and uncertainty, we do so with the safety of our team, our guests and our city as our highest priority. We must support our local authorities as they work … Continued
We know you want to make a lasting impression, but please, leave the cooking to us this Valentine’s Day. Enjoy a three-course dinner menu with dishes like Tagliatelle & Mussels and Slow Braised Pork Shank + a bottle of wine for $110 per couple. Menu available Friday, February 14 – Sunday, February 16th. Seating is … Continued
Tired of the same old sandwich? Skip the boxed lunch and try something new each week with the Lockbox Weekly Lunch Plate. Our weekly specials highlight the best seasonal ingredients from our local purveyors all year long. Menu changes every Monday. Follow @lockboxlex and #LBweeklyplate to details on weekly specials.
Join us for Part 3 of the Women Chef’s of KY Dinner series at 21c Museum Hotel Lexington featuring a five course dinner menu created by local chefs. Seating is limited. Get tickets here. CHEFS & MENU Passed Apps- Aurora Peyton Cocktails- Norma Beekman 1st course by Chloe Frabutts with Sidebar Grill – Cured Beef Carpaccio … Continued
Give thanks with friends and family this year over a Thanksgiving feast prepared by chef Cody Derosett and team. Indulge in pre-set platters for the table to start and then a family style salad course. For the main course choose for the table one meat, three sides, and one dessert. Four-course prix fixe menu available … Continued
Lockbox is hosting a pre-fixe dinner Sunday, November 10th to benefit No Kid Hungry, a national campaign to end child hunger in the United States. The pre-fixe menu will be the only dining option at Lockbox that evening, reservations are encouraged. Book your preferred time slot online or by calling 859-899-6860. Menu prepared by Chef Cody … Continued
September is National Bourbon Heritage Month and we’re celebrating the occasion the best way we know how… good food, good bourbon and good company. Join us for a special southern-style barbecue by Executive Chef Cody DeRosett, with craft cocktail pairings by our friends at Four Roses. > Seating is limited! Call 859.899.6860 to reserve your spot.
The Whinny is a nod to a popular horse treat, incorporating molasses and peppermint for a more smokey, full-bodied flavor. Whether you’re celebrating the Derby at home or stopping by Lockbox to cheers to the most wonderful time of the year in the Bluegrass, this julep is a perfect spin on the cocktail we know and … Continued
Earn perks by attending special events and experiences hosted by Lockbox throughout the year. This free program is similar to a traditional passport: those who hold one will be able to keep track of their journey and unlock exclusive perks. Special events and experiences include attending Cocktail, Savings & Booze Classes, bourbon tastings at the Lockbox … Continued
Did you know 1 in 5 children in Kentucky struggle with hunger? No Kid Hungry, a campaign from Share Our Strength, is working to change that and we want to take part. On Sunday, December 9th from 5:30pm-9:30pm, join us for a great meal, supporting an even greater cause. For $45, enjoy a 3-course family … Continued
