The Caterer Who Built a Creative Empire: Cooper Vaughan on Margin, Meaning, and the Power of Reinvention

Cooper Vaughan didn’t plan on being a caterer—he was trying not to be. But what started as a side gig in Lexington, Kentucky, turned into Apiary: one of the most creative and complex hospitality companies in the South. And the key to its success? Reinvention. From fine dining drop-offs during the pandemic to immersive, ticketed culinary experiences that fund a wildly profitable event business, Cooper has found the sweet spot between margin and magic. In this episode, we break down how he scaled a brand that’s both financially stable and creatively fulfilling, why most caterers are sitting on unrealized gold, and how personal transformation—spiritual and strategic—became the fuel for business evolution. This isn’t just about making money off weddings. It’s about turning a redheaded stepchild of the industry into a platform for deep connection, artistry, and long-term impact. To learn more about Apiary and explore their work, visit https://www.the-apiary.com/. ____________________________________________________________ Full Comp is brought to you by Yelp for Restaurants: In July 2020, a few hundred employees formed Yelp for Restaurants. Our goal is to build tools that help restaurateurs do more with limited time. We have a lot more content coming your way! Be sure to check out our other content: Yelp for Restaurants Podcasts Restaurant expert videos & webinars