From navigating a pandemic to whipping up fresh biscuits daily to transforming Airstream trailers into bars-on-wheels, husband-and-wife team Adrienne and Kris Cole have had a whirlwind adventure in the hospitality world with their Louisville, Kentucky, business, Marigold Catering Co.
Kris is a bit of a natural in the kitchen, his wife says. “Kris started out in hospitality
on the culinary side from when he was a child, and would cook directly from farm-to-table—even as a kid.” Kris has since worked in many acclaimed Louisville restaurants, including Jack Fry’s and Lilly’s Bistro. Adrienne says her talents lie more on the service and hospitality side of things—she began her career waiting tables while in college and spent a long time working in cafe and restaurant management thereafter.
Following a stint owning Louisville joint Cafe 9/M, the duo opened Marigold Catering Co. in February 2019, with Adrienne operating and Kris helming the kitchen. “We really believe in sustainability in regard to supporting our farmers,” Adrienne says of their food philosophy. “And supporting the local agriculture and community. So ‘seasonal comfort food’ is what we call our food.” The likes of deviled eggs and freshly made sausage, biscuits, and gravy grace their menu of elevated Southern comfort food.
When the pandemic hit, fast pivots were needed, and the duo began creating take-and-bake meals. With a bit of extra time on her hands, Adrienne subsequently came up with the idea for Marigold Mobile Bars, hiring a builder to transform different vehicles like bicycles, trailers, and Vespas into vessels for libations, known as the “Golden Girls,” that can be wheeled into events. The couple also now own restaurant The House of Marigold and event venue The Marigold Showroom.
Adrienne affirms that working with your other half day in and day out of course comes with its challenges, but that, above all else, their strength truly does lie in each other. “We are very blessed in the fact that we do enjoy each other and our time that we spend together,” she says. “Kris and I very much respect each other professionally, and what we do professionally. And we believe we have grown this business together because we are very much in our lanes of what we do best. And I think that is what really keeps our business moving forward.”
