Today we’d like to introduce you to Matt Cross.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I was born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri, and restaurants have always been in my blood. My dad, Forbes Cross, owned and operated several restaurant concepts throughout the Kansas City area, so the business was a big part of my upbringing. As a kid, I spent countless evenings wandering through kitchens on busy nights, greeting employees and taking in the sights, sounds, and smells of a line in full swing. Those early experiences sparked something in me that I didn’t fully understand at the time—but they planted the seed for what would later become my career.
Even though I chose a different field to study in college, I couldn’t ignore the pull of the restaurant industry. By my early twenties, I found myself behind a cook line, and it didn’t take long to realize I was exactly where I belonged. Every day brought new challenges, and while the long hours, aching feet, and burn marks were part of the job, the sense of pride and accomplishment at the end of a shift made it all worth it. That’s when I knew this wasn’t just a job—it was a calling.
In 2011, when my dad resurrected his locally loved Michael Forbes Grill concept, I was offered the sous chef position. I was eager to learn under a head chef and refine my skills, but life had other plans. Not long after I joined, the head chef left abruptly, and at just 25 years old, I suddenly found myself running the kitchen. It was a trial by fire, but it pushed me to grow quickly as both a leader and a chef. That experience gave me a crash course in what it takes to manage a kitchen, develop a team, and keep a restaurant humming.
After more than seven years in that role, I knew it was time to carve my own path. I launched Matthew’s Catering with the goal of bringing the same quality, energy, and hospitality I grew up around into a catering business that could serve people at some of their most important life moments. At first, it was just me—a one-man show handling everything from cooking to deliveries to client communication. It was a grind, but I loved every minute of it.
Then, just months after opening in late 2019, the world turned upside down. COVID-19 brought challenges no new business owner should ever have to face. While many businesses could apply for government assistance by showing year-over-year losses, we didn’t have that option. Since Matthew’s Catering was brand new, our sales numbers only showed growth, which meant we were repeatedly denied aid. It was frustrating and discouraging, but I leaned on resilience, determination, and the same grit I had learned from years in kitchens. Slowly but surely, we found ways to adapt and push forward.
Looking back, those challenges shaped Matthew’s Catering into what it is today. They forced me to be resourceful, to think creatively, and to keep my focus on why I started in the first place: to create food that brings people together. What started as a family influence and a love for the kitchen has grown into a business I’m proud to lead. Every event is more than just a meal—it’s an opportunity to connect with people, celebrate moments that matter, and carry on a tradition that’s been a part of me for as long as I can remember.
Not to be lost in all of my story, is the constant, loving support of my wife, Jeni. Matthew’s Catering would have never turned into what it is today without her full support and encouragement every step of the way.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road has been very bumpy, but very rewarding both personally and professionally.
We’ve been impressed with Matthew’s Catering, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Matthew’s Catering is a full-service catering company based in Kansas City, offering everything from individually boxed lunches to elegant plated wedding receptions. We pride ourselves on creating fresh, flavorful food paired with attentive service, ensuring every event feels special. Our goal is simple: to deliver meals and experiences that guests will remember for years to come.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
visit our website and discover how we can serve you at your next event!
www.matthewcaters.com
Pricing:
- Boxed Lunches: $13.99
- Corporate Buffets: $18.99
- Wedding Receptions $18.99 and up
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.matthewcaters.com
- Instagram: @matthews.catering
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cater.matthews/about
- Twitter: https://x.com/matthewcaters
