In 2012, Chicago Planner Magazine interviewed this new, up-and-coming catering company called Paramount Events. From the get-go owner Jodi Fyfe showed heart and determination to have delicious, sustainable food that create incredible events. Now, we’re checking in with her 13 years later about how she has created one of the most prolific catering companies in Chicago. Of all the people Chicago Planner Magazine has featured over the years, Jodi has had some of the most growth and her company is now synonymous with one of the top places to cater in the city. In the following interview with Jodi, we discuss what she has done to grow her business, and become so successful.
Jodi Fyfe, Founder & CEO of Paramount Group
Give us a reintroduction to yourself. What inspired you to get into catering, and now, what has lead you to not only continue in this industry but to grow?
I’ve always believed that true hospitality is one of the most meaningful ways to take care of people. That is my superpower: creating spaces and moments where people feel seen, valued, and cared for. When I first got into catering, I was drawn to how food and service can bring people together and create memories that last far beyond the event itself.
That purpose has never changed. If anything, it has only grown. There is no better feeling than seeing a guest light up when they experience what we have created. It is instant fulfillment, and it motivates me to keep growing The Paramount Group. We are not just serving food; we are curating experiences and building a culture where genuine hospitality and caring for people always come first.
What has been one or two developments in your business that you’ve been the most proud of? What about them has particularly made you proud?
There have been many milestones over the past 14 years since The Paramount Group launched, but one that stands out is opening our Avondale campus. Moving from the West Loop to a space more connected to nature truly felt like coming home. Opening our 40,000-square-feet Avondale campus and Eden restaurant in 2022 was a defining moment that strengthened our commitment to sustainability and created new opportunities for growth. The campus gives our team an inspiring place to collaborate, create, and do their best work every day. It’s also given us the ability to expand what we offer our guests — from the fresh produce grown in our on-site greenhouse to The Lobby at Paramount Events, a serene and welcoming venue for various gatherings. This campus reflects what Paramount does best: delivering hospitality at its finest.
What was the most challenging part of growing your business, particularly from the perspective of a business owner? What aspect of that do you think people generally didn’t realize was challenging?
From the beginning, one of the greatest challenges and greatest rewards has been building and nurturing the right team. I think people often underestimate just how much time and care it takes to find people who not only have the skills but also share your vision and want to grow alongside the company. Over the years, we’ve been fortunate to have incredible people join us at different stages. Each one has brought new ideas, fresh energy, and real value. It’s a big reason why we’re about to celebrate our 15th anniversary this March.
What pushed you to continue to grow, not just in catering, but opening your own space, The Lobby?
The launch of our Avondale campus was a pivotal moment that inspired us to expand beyond catering and create unique, versatile event spaces. Alongside our restaurant Eden, we envisioned The Lobby, a serene, adaptable venue designed to host everything from nonprofit meetings to milestone celebrations. The Lobby isn’t just a space for our guests to gather; it’s also a place where our team connects with clients, friends, and family, fostering the sense of community that is central to everything we do.
How did you build so many relationships with local venues? What do you think made your business stand out in the process to get on so many lists?
Many of the relationships with local venues started even before I launched The Paramount Group. From my experience in the industry, people knew they could trust us to do the job well and take care of their spaces as if they were our own. Over time, as new venues have opened, our team has done an exceptional job nurturing those connections and building new ones. What really sets us apart is our reputation for reliability, genuine care, and the way we show up as true partners. That trust and consistency have helped us earn a place on so many preferred lists.
What do you love most about your business right now?
What I love most about our business right now is the way we are streamlining operations and resetting our approach. 2025 has been a pivotal year for us to take a step back, evaluate everything we do, and refine our processes. Technology has played a leading role in this transformation, helping us become more efficient, connected, and responsive. This reset is setting us up for stronger growth and greater impact in the years ahead.
What are your top one to three favorite events you’ve done and why?
We’ve had the privilege of producing so many incredible events at Paramount Events, but a few truly stand out. Our long-standing partnership with the Illinois Restaurant Association’s Chicago Gourmet and The James Beard Foundation has been especially rewarding. Being part of these chef-driven, culinary-focused events allows us to collaborate with chefs across Chicago and the country.
Events connected to causes close to my heart — such as those for Hepzibah, the Evolve Network, and Tickled Pink, an annual event I founded 20 years ago — are especially meaningful because they allow us to give back and support our community. Equally memorable are the opening events at Navy Pier for the Democratic National Convention. Being part of such a landmark occasion and contributing to a historic moment in Chicago’s cultural and political landscape was a true honor.
How has your relationship to the business changed since it’s growth? Are you still as hands-on, or do you find yourself working more top-down/high-level? Are there any aspects of the business you miss from when things were smaller, or do you feel like the growth of your business is where you’ve always wanted to be?
I absolutely love being around our team, whether it’s in the kitchen or out at events. I thrive in that environment and enjoy being an active part of it. We have great leadership in place and everyone takes ownership of their roles, which allows me to focus on the bigger picture without losing that hands-on connection. For me, this isn’t just a job; it’s a passion and a source of joy, especially because so many of our clients have become friends over the years.
When we first started, I was doing everything myself from payroll to ordering supplies. While I’m more focused on high-level strategy now, I still stay involved in many day-to-day operations. That balance keeps me grounded and connected to what made me fall in love with this business in the first place.
What advice would you give to those considering starting their own business within the events and hospitality industry? Anything in particular that you can highlight that contributed to your own success?
My biggest advice for anyone thinking about starting a business in events and hospitality is to learn every part of the work firsthand. Do every job, bus tables, serve, bartend, manage, and do it at both large companies and small businesses. That experience is invaluable because it gives you the knowledge, perspective, and relationships you need to succeed. It takes years to build that foundation, and you have to stay hands-on every step of the way. Also, show up fully for your team, for your partners, and for your clients. That commitment is what builds trust and keeps a business strong.
What is one of the most important lessons you’ve learned through your growth?
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is the value of surrounding yourself with the best people. Bringing in talented individuals who excel in their roles creates a strong, well-rounded team that can handle any challenge. It’s not just about hiring skill — it’s about fostering a culture of collaboration, trust, and shared commitment. When you build a team like that, you create a foundation that supports growth, innovation, and long-term success.
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