Fresh Cooked Meals & Catering Services

Meet the Team

Koren Draper

Executive Chef & Owner

With over 15 years of experience in the industry, Koren's passion for cooking has taken her all over the world to study different cuisines in Mexico, Italy, Costa Rica, Jamaica and regional America. From sourcing the freshest, organic and local ingredients, to creating unique and flavorful dishes, she is committed to providing clients with the best possible experience. She not only works with families and professionals to offer a weekly fresh meal service but also custom catering menus tailored to their specific needs and preferences—for any budget or tastes, including special diets such as kosher, keto, low-carb, low-sugar, nitrate-free and more.

Jabri Draper

Catering Chef & Produce Manager

Jabri grew up in King of Prussia, PA, is a graduate of Upper Merion High School and has been working with his "Aunt Kay" for years as a side job. He recently decided to come aboard at Koren’s Kitchen full-time to help grow the family business. “Food has always been a passion of mine, and when you grow up working around food with family it just becomes a normal thing, so why not do it professionally,” explains Jabri. “I enjoy making delicious food, but the most rewarding part is when clients also love it, and say I did a great job,” he adds. In his free time, he loves competitive gaming, kayaking, fishing, grilling with friends or just “soaking up the sunlight."

Leigh Ann Keithley

Catering Sales & Event Planner

Hailing from Berwyn, PA, Leigh calls herself “a local, through and through.” And the food business is in her blood, as she says. Her uncle, Frank Palumbo, owned numerous South Philadelphia landmarks: Palumbo’s Restaurant, The Nostalgia Room, The CR Club and The Click. At a very young age, she would go with her grandmother (Mom-Mom) to the restaurants and “help” her in the reservations office. “From then on, I was hooked,” says Leigh. What does she appreciate most about working with Koren’s Kitchen? In one word: Koren! “She took a huge leap in opening her own catering company… With her go-getter attitude, motivation, drive, and positive outlook, there is no doubt in my mind, she will absolutely THRIVE!

Alayna Lloyd

Executive Assistant

Alayna grew up in Brookhaven, PA, where she spends her free time spending time with loved ones and doing arts & crafts. She has a B.A. in Psychology and is currently working towards her M.S. in Mental Health Counseling. With her busy schedule, working part time at the kitchen has been ideal due to Chef Koren's amazing leadership and organization. Alayna has learned so much about the food/catering industry as well as the administrative components that will be essential in her future career. Alayna says the comradery is the best part about working at Koren's Kitchen, and she loves how everyone plays an important role that contributes to the greater whole of the company.

Alex Panichi 

Catering Events & Expediting

Alex grew up in King of Prussia and loves to play golf and videogames. Being very competitive, he enjoys most games and activities. He chose this career path because he loves to cook and create art on a plate. He appreciates the uplifting company culture, where workers are determined to complete their tasks. But what does he like the most about working at Koren's Kitchen? Chef Koren's encouragement to the chefs to be confident in the food they make."Don't second guess yourself" is a signature phrase in the kitchen.

TJ Vecere

Kitchen Manager

TJ is well versed in the kitchen with a decade of experience including roles as an owner/operator of a food truck for a few years, a lead cook, a kitchen production manager, and a cold kitchen manager previously in his past. He even cooked for the owner of the Philadelphia Eagles, earning himself a super bowl ring. TJ thinks the company culture is great, saying, "It’s a very no nonsense, get the job done type of operation and environment while also feeling like a relaxed family. I appreciate Koren the most. She’s patient, understanding, willing to work with outside schedules and trusts and appreciates my hard work." Since he achieved his goal of owning his own food truck, he now strives to start his own family.

Dave Rogers

Chef