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.
THURS 09.15.16 6:30pm $79 per person Bourbon Heritage Month is upon us and we have a few special dinners in the works to properly celebrate America’s native spirit. This September, immerse yourself in all things bourbon with Barton 1792 Visitor Center Manager Josh Hollifield. Each dish in this three-course dinner by executive chef Jonathan Searle will … Continued
Taste of 21c Dinner at Proof on Main THURS 07.28.16 6:30pm $72 In honor of the 10th Anniversary of 21c Louisville and Proof on Main, the restaurant will be hosting a series of guest chef dinners featuring the executive chefs from each of our 21c restaurants. These dinners will showcase the culinary character of each visiting chef … Continued
Father’s Day Brunch SUN 06.19.16 9:30am- 2pm Father’s Day is right around the corner, and 21c Lexington has everything you need to show your old man how much he means to you. On the big day, treat him to a manly brunch at Lockbox. Need the perfect gift? Give him a gift card for unforgettable experience at … Continued
SUN 05.08.16 | 9:30am-2pm | $34 per person You love mom, mom loves brunch. Treat your number one fan to a scrumptious three-course, prix fixe menu by executive chef Jonathan Searle. Choose from mom-approved favorites like the Kentucky Croque with country ham, collards, fried sunny egg and cracked pepper gravy, or the Skuna Bay Salmon … Continued
SUN 03.27.16 | 9:30am-2pm | $29 per person Leave foraging to the bunnies. Chef Jonathan Searle’s two-course prix fixe Easter Brunch menu is fully stocked with farm fresh ingredients, which means you won’t have to lift a finger. Come indulge on Lockbox favorites and holiday specials like the Easter Ham with sweet potatoes, braised collards, potlikker and a biscuit, … Continued
