About the Author

Greg Topper is the Owner and Co-Founder of Aspen Elevated Catering, bringing more than 30 years of professional culinary experience to Aspen’s catering and hospitality industry. Raised in a food and wine family, Greg developed a passion for cooking at an early age, eventually turning that passion into a lifelong career. After earning a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology-Sociology from Skidmore College, he pursued formal culinary training at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. Throughout his career, Greg has worked in some of the country’s most respected kitchens, including Lark Creek Inn, One Market Restaurant, Tra Vigne, and Ajax Tavern, where he advanced to Executive Chef before founding his own culinary ventures.

Greg specializes in fine dining cuisine, gourmet catering, luxury weddings, private chef services, custom event menus, fusion cuisine, and farm-to-table dining experiences. His extensive culinary background includes leadership roles under acclaimed chef Michael Chiarello, who promoted Greg multiple times throughout their years working together. Greg later founded the popular Aspen restaurant Topper’s, established Topper’s Catering, and co-founded Aspen Elevated Catering, combining decades of restaurant leadership with personalized catering expertise. His classical culinary education, paired with years of hands-on experience creating innovative menus for private clients and large-scale events, has made him a trusted culinary professional throughout the Aspen community.

Greg’s journey into the culinary profession began with a summer job as both a waiter and prep chef at The Beach Plum Inn in Martha’s Vineyard. What started as seasonal work quickly became a lifelong calling. Even after the economic downturn led him to close his successful restaurant, Greg embraced new opportunities as a private chef, expanding his knowledge of global cuisines while traveling with exclusive clients. These experiences strengthened his belief that exceptional food should always be personal, memorable, and thoughtfully crafted around each client’s unique vision.

Today, Greg continues to serve Aspen and the surrounding communities by creating unforgettable dining experiences for weddings, private gatherings, corporate events, and celebrations of every size. Outside the kitchen, he remains passionate about exploring new culinary techniques, sourcing high-quality local ingredients, and continually refining his craft. His decades of experience, dedication to hospitality, and commitment to exceptional service continue to shape the values behind Aspen Elevated Catering.

Through Aspen Elevated Catering, Greg is committed to delivering elevated cuisine, personalized service, and memorable event experiences built on trust, craftsmanship, and genuine hospitality. His combination of formal culinary training, executive leadership, and real-world experience allows clients to enjoy exceptional meals with confidence. To learn more about Greg and the Aspen Elevated Catering team, visit the company’s About page or connect through the company’s professional profiles as they become available.