This group of talented individuals is the backbone of our company and the reason why your next event will be exceptional. The best part is how much they enjoy what they do and the opportunity to work together. Get to know a little more about them...
Philip Rainwater
Philip Rainwater - CHEF
I am originally from Atlanta, GA and moved to Wilmington in 2014. I fell in love with cooking at a very young age, spending time in the kitchen with my mother and grandmother who are both two of the best cooks I’ve met. Their talent and food was the reason I pursued a culinary career. After graduating from Culinary school with honors in 2005, I worked in some of Atlanta's Top 100 restaurants focusing on local organics and sustainable cuisine. Upon my arrival to Wilmington I found a professional home and continued honing my skills with the Circa Restaurant Group at two of their local locations. The opportunity to take over as the Chef at 128 South and Bakery 105 opened up in 2018.
Katie Swain
Katie Swain - Sales & Event Manager; Day-Of Coordinator
My name is Katie Swain and I am honored to do what I love for the people I love (and I honestly just love LOVE!) I specialize in happiness! Wife of 17 years and proud mother of three boys I know how to handle hectic! I pride myself on being a “Natural Born Fixer” and always strive to serve with excellence! Since 2009, I have worked in every facet of the wedding industry, from catering coordinator to venue sales positions and luckily for the last 5 years, I can honestly say that I have finally found my true calling with Wedding Planning! I love getting to know each couple and collaborating to make the vision for come to life!
J. Rueger Houck
J. Rueger Houck – Operations Manager
I am currently the operations manager for the venues and our off-site catering services. I joined this organization back in the beginning of 2012 as catering staff and by the end of the year I was the operations manager. It was a good fit from the start but my experience didn’t begin here at 128 South. I have had many careers from construction to environmental engineering but throughout I have always maintained a job in the service industry. I guess I was drawn to the fast pace and high intensity atmosphere that occurs in the industry. In 2007 I discovered event catering and I was hooked. Here you not only have the fast pace atmosphere, but the stakes are higher because “there are no do-overs”.
Jordan Bryant
Jordan Bryant – Event Manager; Day-Of Coordinator
I have been a part of the team at 128 South and Bakery 105 since 2014 when I started working as an intern while getting my Associate Degree in Hospitality Management. After graduating in 2016, I became a full-time team member and even had the honor of saying “I do” myself at 128 South in 2017. Most of my work is now done remotely because my husband and I now reside in Raleigh, North Carolina. (I get the best of both worlds with the city living and moonlighting at the beach a few hours away.)
