Tasty Catering duo named to entrepreneurship hall of fame
CHICAGO — Tasty Catering’s Larry Walter, chief operating officer, and Kevin Walter, chief procurement officer, were inducted into the Chicago Area Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame Class of 2012.
The UIC Chicago Area Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame Awards, the oldest and most prestigious Chicago area entrepreneurship award, recognizes innovators and leaders in business.
The two were recognized for their entrepreneurial talent, dedication and innovation and are among more than 500 distinguished entrepreneurs inducted into the hall. Others include business partner and brother Thomas J. Walter, chief executive officer of Elk Grove Village-based Tasty Catering; Bill Dixon and Gene Faut of 3-D Exhibits; Warren Young of Acme Industries; Marvin Klein of PortionPac Chemical; Robert J. Abt of Abt Electronics; Jim Horan of Blue Plate Catering; Michael P. Krasny of CDW Computer Centers; Richard Panico of Integrated Project Management Company; and Stuart R. Paddock, Jr. of Daily Herald, owners of the Daily Herald Business Ledger.
Larry Walter’s dedication to quality and service are evident in his operations and culinary, from preparing top-notch menus to maintaining the Tasty Catering delivery fleet.
“While I appreciate the individual recognition, I understand it is the achievements of the entire Tasty Catering team that make our business growth possible,” said Larry.
Kevin Walter is best known for his cost control and “green” creativity to ensure Tasty Catering customers save money without sacrificing quality or Earth. In 2006, he founded the company’s Green team, leading the company to reduce waste-to-landfill stream by over 60 percent and develop eco-friendly options for customers.
“It’s an honor to be part of such an elite group of business leaders in the Chicago area,” said Kevin. “I plan to share my passion for creating a positive working environment that fosters a strong partnership with employees, suppliers and the community.”
In addition to their Tasty Catering positions, Larry and Kevin Walter are active partners in T.F. Processors, That’s Caring, nuphorIQ, and Touhy Capital, all of which are start up businesses by Tasty Catering team members.
“For the last 27 years, the Chicago Area Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame has been a showcase of Chicago’s successful entrepreneur community,” said Michael Pagano, interim dean of the UIC College of Business Administration. “This new crop of inductees is further proof that even in toughest times, through hard work, creativity and dedication, you can succeed in business. On behalf of the CBA, I congratulate the Class of 2012.”