Flavor Co. Catering + Events was established to meet a growing demand from proprietor Cameron Lockley’s clients to expand catering options beyond the tasty Italian fare from Gusto Italian Kitchen + Wine Bar – a long-time Rosedale neighborhood favorite in Austin, Texas. With a dedicated commissary kitchen and a full-time team of catering and hospitality industry professionals, Flavor Co. is ready to serve a wide range of cuisines while upholding the same commitment to quality service and the human touch that Cameron is known for.

fun fact: *the word “gusto” translates from Italian to English as “taste” or “flavor”

Meet the Team

Cameron Lockley
Chief Flavor Officer

As an established restaurant owner, Cameron’s experience with catering has grown organically out of customer requests and referrals over the past decade.

His business acumen, sense of generous Texas-style hospitality, and commitment to meeting his clients’ high expectations have prepared him, and drive him each day, to create and facilitate one-of-a-kind events.

Kayla Gant
Catering + Events Coordinator

An Austin catering industry veteran, Kayla brings years of experience working on events at venues, offices, and in all types of homes across the city.

In addition to being a loving wife and new mother, she also cares for a flock of chickens and knows all too well that it takes a lot of sitting to get chicks to hatch – just like events that sometimes take months of preparation.

As Catering + Events Coordinator, Kayla works with Flavor Co.’s clients, chef, and operations team to plan all the details to create memorable and tasty events.

Erik Lopez Garcia
Operations Manager

Born in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, Erik grew up in Dallas, Texas and moved to Austin as soon as he could.

He has worked in hospitality for several years at restaurants and catering companies as a server and bartender, and also at a local marketing & public relations firm planning events.

As Operations Manager, Erik is Flavor Co.’s go-to guy on the day of your event, ensuring all the details are executed with full flavor.

Shane Manley
Operations Manager

The hospitality industry has been Shane’s playground for 25 years, first as a server, then a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu, followed by stints all over Austin as a banquet manager, kitchen manager, and chef instructor.

His culinary journey has allowed him to work with a variety of cuisines including Texas Barbeque, Southern-Style Cajun, Italian, Interior Mexican at the acclaimed Fonda San Miguel, and recent James Beard Award-Winning Naranjo.

Shane is a natural at bridging culinary expertise with event logistics and elevated service.

Junior Schlichting
Executive Chef

With thirty plus years of experience in the hospitality industry, Junior has watched and participated first-hand as the Austin food scene has evolved and blossomed into what it is today. He has been the chef at numerous well-known restaurants in town, including most recently at Gusto Italian Kitchen + Wine Bar. Junior’s work ethic and commitment to quality are as big and deep as they come.

Rudy Rivera III
Sous Chef

A graduate of Le Cordon Bleu, Rudy’s resume includes time at fine dining restaurants across the country, including Austin’s Wink Restaurant & Wine Bar, DC’s 3 Star Michelin restaurant The Inn at Little Washington, various Vail resorts as well as his family’s businesses Taco Shack & Big O’s Pit BBQ. When he’s not grinding away in the kitchen - Rudy makes a mean sausage - he’s with his dog Charlotte at Barton Springs or hiking the Green Belt.

Xiaomin Xue
Sous Chef

Passion, work ethic, and positivity drive X on a daily basis. For him, it started hustling in New York City working at a food truck, on movie sets with craft catering, as a line cook at a gastro pub, as a kitchen manager at a Brooklyn cheese shop, and as a general manager at a burger joint.

His Asian roots and culinary knowledge bring exciting flavors to the Flavor Co. menu.

Stephanie Annice Ermis
Pastry Chef

Baking at her grandmother’s side lit a fire in Stephanie’s heart and led her to graduate from Johnson & Wales University with a degree in Baking & Pastry Arts.

Her career has taken her throughout the South until she landed in Austin and didn’t want to leave. She previously ran the pastry department for Hank’s before joining Flavor Co. Her favorite pastry to make…true Czech Kolaches using her Grannie’s recipe.