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.
The 21c Selects program is bringing you an exclusive new way of enjoying Kentucky’s favorite spirits. Our hand-picked barrels have been bottled in limited quantities for our guests to enjoy. You can enjoy these as tasting flights in Lockbox and if you love it, you can go ahead and take a whole bottle home from our museum shop. The Smooth … Continued
The 21c Selects program is bringing you an exclusive new way of enjoying Kentucky’s favorite spirits. Our hand-picked barrels have been bottled in limited quantities for our guests to enjoy. You can enjoy these as tasting flights in Lockbox and if you love it, you can go ahead and take a whole bottle home from our museum shop. The Smooth … Continued
21c Selects brings our favorite spirits directly to you. Our spirits experts from Proof on Main and Lockbox travel to distilleries all over Kentucky and elsewhere and hand-pick barrels to be bottled in limited quantities and enjoyed by our guests. Not only can you order tasting flights at the bar in Lockbox, but if you love it, you … Continued
The 21c Selects program is bringing you an exclusive new way of enjoying Kentucky’s favorite spirits. Our spirits experts from Proof on Main and Lockbox travel to distilleries all over Kentucky and elsewhere and hand-pick barrels to be bottled in limited quantities and enjoyed by our guests. Not only can you order tasting flights at the bar in Lockbox, … Continued
Reflect on a year gone by and let chef Jonathan Searle treat you to a soulful feast of wintery tastes made from the absolute finest regional ingredients. Start with a playful Hamachi Crudo with Fennel, Raw Apple, Cucumber and Chili or Celery Root Soup with Poached Shrimp, Country Ham Crumbs and Lemon Oil and then attempt to … Continued
We’re excited to announce that Lockbox is gearing up to take part in the Cincinnati Food + Wine Classic on 09.23.16-09.25.16. The Cincinnati Food + Wine Classic is a three-day event designed to capture the energy and enthusiasm of the Midwest’s dynamic food and beverage scene and create a celebration of homegrown flavor served alongside nationally recognized chefs, … Continued
We’re excited to announce that Lockbox is gearing up to take part in the Cincinnati Food + Wine Classic on 09.23.16-09.25.16. The Cincinnati Food + Wine Classic is a three-day event designed to capture the energy and enthusiasm of the Midwest’s dynamic food and beverage scene and create a celebration of homegrown flavor served alongside nationally recognized chefs, … Continued
21c Museum Hotel’s roots are firmly planted in the Bluegrass, home of Kentucky Bourbon. So it’s only fitting that our Lexington crew get in on the bourbon culture fun all September long. So now, as the country embarks on the month-long celebration that is National Bourbon Heritage Month, we’re serving up our Native Spirit in true 21c style. Our … Continued
Mary Eddy’s Kitchen x Lounge is proud to make 21c Museum Hotel Oklahoma City the place for extraordinary events. In addition to the main dining room, a lounge with a large bar, a communal table for 14, and the outdoor “Train Shed” space, Mary Eddy’s provides multiple opportunities for large groups to socialize. Looking for something … Continued
Weekdays just got a whole lot better. Take a work break with our new lunch menu by chef Jonathan Searle, featuring a Daily Fish Sandwich with cole slaw, tabasco aioli and citrus, our signature Lockbox Cheeseburger and healthy options like our Skuna Bay Salmon. Now serving lunch Monday through Friday from 11am to 2pm. > See … Continued
