The Sales Team

Rachel Henderson


Director of Sales

Get to Know Me:

I love meeting new couples and learning about how they fell in love. Weddings are my specialty, and my absolute favorite part is the first dance. Watching the couple take a deep breath after they’ve taken their vows knowing that “they did it,” is heartwarming. I'm married to my supportive husband, Justin and I have a beautiful baby boy, Luke. Our Beagle, Riley, has so much energy and keeps us on our toes. We enjoy going to the local farmer's markets and exploring various neighborhoods around San Diego.

  • What I want to eat/drink right now: Acai bowls, no matter what the temperature is outside!

  • My passion is: cooking

  • Knife, fork or spoon? Spoon, you can use it as a fork or a knife ;)

  • Favorite childhood food memory: Every holiday my mom would make a giant spread of yummy foods. My favorite is during the Jewish High Holidays, she would make Kugel and apples with honey.

  • Why I’m a foodie: I love trying new flavors and seeing what blends together well. I'm not afraid to try new foods or explore different cultures. I'm introducing foods to my son and watching him explore his palate has been so much fun! Messy, but fun!

Lisa Gradillas

Senior Catering Sales Manager

Get to Know Me:

I have worked in the hospitality industry for over 30 years. I truly love doing what I do. Food is one of the most importance things to me. I have a passion for menu development. At the end of the day, I love helping people achieve their culinary visions.

  • What I want to eat/drink right now: Hawaiian food, I lived in Kona for 10 years

  • Favorite childhood food memory: Making tamales every Christmas with my mom

  • Buzzword: Kindness

  • Favorite childhood yummy: Homemade peach ice cream

  • Why I’m a foodie: Food brings everyone together!

Jen Hawley

Senior Catering Sales Manager

Get to Know Me:

I absolutely love my job and am so happy to have a career that does not feel like work! I have been in the hospitality industry on and off since high school. The energy, relationships, creativity and passion in this industry are unmatched.

  • What I want to eat/drink right now: Sushi & sake

  • Favorite childhood yummy: Lobster tacos

  • My television obsession is: Chef’s Table

  • The Oscar should go to: Oprah

  • Why I’m a foodie: I love how food brings people together and how it can make you feel. Sometimes a bite of your favorite childhood food can bring you back to those moments of warmth and love as if you are reliving it all over again. Where there is food, there is happiness.

Lily Medofer

Catering Sales & Event Associate

Get to Know Me:

I love celebrating every occasion- big, small, and all the in-betweens! With a background in entertainment management and performance, I bring an authentic, enthusiastic energy to all things I do. I am passionate about seeing others light up and feel like their vision for their event can and will come to fruition. San Diego is such a treasure, and I am thrilled to connect with so many lovely humans here, sharing the joy found in culinary delights, sunshine, and community.

  • What do you like to do in your free time? Dance, roller-skate, read, lay in the sun like a lizard, eat my sister's delicious culinary creations, and spend time with my friends!

  • What is one thing on your bucket list? Go to a concert at the Red Rocks amphitheater in Denver, Colorado. 

  • What High 5 resonates with you? Huddle. Listening with a creative open mind encourages the greatest kind of teamwork. Supporting one another and being supported is one of the best feelings. 

  • What do you want to eat or drink right now? Cardamom croissant with a lemon almond latte. 

  • Why I’m a foodie: Full belly = full heart! I love learning about new cuisines and the kinship formed in sharing one another's favorite eats. 

Myra De Leon

Sales Coordinator

Get to Know Me:

Life really is too short to sweat the small stuff! So I've learned to take things in stride, that things are really not in my hands and that being kind is worth more than its weight in gold.

  • What I want to eat/drink right now: Avocado folded into vanilla bean ice cream

  • My favorite aroma is: Roasted garlic— it usually means something delicious is coming

  • Favorite childhood yummy: Cracker chicken! Mostly, because my dad would put crackers in a zip lock and let ME smash them up.

  • Dark or milk chocolate? YES PLEASE

  • Why I’m a foodie: Food is universal - everyone eats! Whether it's a dish or the story behind the dish or the people you're having the dish with, there is always something special about what you're eating.

Sophie Allen

Sales Coordinator

Get to Know Me:

I received my bachelors degree from UC Santa Barbara where I built my foundations in event planning through campus organizations, leadership roles, and community gatherings. I love the way events create space for people to connect and celebrate during some of life’s most meaningful moments. There’s something special about knowing the planning and preparation allowed everyone in the room to simply show up and enjoy themselves - because who doesn’t love a good party?

  • What I want to eat/drink right now: A dirty pickle martini

  • What do you like to do in your free time? Having recently moved to San Diego, I love exploring different neighborhoods, finding scenic walks, spending time with friends, crafting, and binging reality TV.

  • What is one thing on your bucket list? Driving the Mario Kart go-karts through the streets of Tokyo.

  • Which High 5 resonates with you? Don’t half-ass it.

  • Why I’m a foodie: Food has an incredible way of bringing people together. Some of the best conversations and memories happen around a table, and I love being part of
    experiences that help create those moments.