Star City 6 – Linda Cox
A favorite on the Lincoln dining and entertainment scene, Venue Restaurant & Lounge offers fine dining, private dining rooms, and event catering services. In recent years, Venue has expanded its portfolio with two unique concepts: The Jasmine Room by Venue inside of the Grand Manse, perfect for weddings, tailgates and large events, and Piedmont Bistro by Venue, a chic-casual eatery. Linda Cox is the Pastry Chef for Venue Restaurant & Lounge (yourvenue.net) and the Piedmont Bistro by Venue (piedmontbistro.com).
Tell us a little about your position.
I create menus for both restaurants and do desserts for catering events, as well as cakes and special request items.
How did you get started in the business?
My mother was who first inspired me to delve into the world of pastry. As a child, she baked regularly with us at home. I attended culinary school in Denver right after high school, and pursued my first professional pastry job there in a small shop with a Master Pastry Chef from Poland.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally?
Maintaining a successful small business, while being able to spend time with my growing family. Finding a work/life balance is very difficult.
What has been your most important achievement professionally?
My reputation as a creative and unique individual, because it follows me wherever I go.
Tell us a little about your family.
I’ve been married to my husband, Mike, for almost 4 years now. We have two small children, August (22 mos.) and Norah (5 mos.), who keep us very busy.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life?
When my husband and I decided to have kids, we knew it would be difficult to keep up with the hours and commitment it took to run my own business; hence, the reason we recently sold Butterfly Bakery and I began my new path at Venue.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?
Rollerblade!
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know?
I have LOTS of tattoos.
What are you the most proud of?
Starting a successful business at the age of 26, with only the money in my pocket.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Always take the high road; you’ll never regret it.
If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be?
Unique.
If you could have a super power, what would it be?
Teleportation.
Which talent would you most like to have?
The ability to build/fix things for my home construction projects.
If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be?
Probably something in the medical field.
What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why?
I’ve done many fundraisers with local organizations, especially the Lincoln Animal Ambassadors because I’d love to see all our furry friends with a loving home.
What is your favorite movie?
Spaceballs.
What is your favorite TV show?
Will & Grace.
What is your favorite local restaurant?
Venue Restaurant & Lounge…even before I joined the team here!
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?
Via email at cheflinda@yourvenue.net. You can also check out what’s going on at the restaurants online at yourvenue.net and piedmontbistro.com, and connect with us on social media.