Ed Riley
Owner of Two Fat Men Catering

Ed has always had a passion for cooking. Raised on a farm in Byrdstown, Tennessee Ed grew up working the farm and truly lived the term "Farm to Table". He loved spending time in the kitchen with his mom and grandmother and many of their recipes are still used in our kitchen today. Ed is a self taught Chef; he sleeps eats and dreams of new and creative food ideas 24/7. He likes to put a "Fat Man" spin on southern favorites that he grew up with like our yummy Meatloaf and Mac & Cheese to name a few.

After Ed graduated high school he served 6 years in the US Coast Guard as a Boatswain’s Mate, worked as a police officer in Murfreesboro for 5 years and has been involved with several different businesses in and around the Lebanon area.

Our catering business began with a cancer benefit over 13 years ago and is now an annual event raising money for Sherry’s Run and Tennessee Breast Cancer Coalition. What started with a few events here and there for friends and family has now turned into over 500 caterings a year. With the success of our catering business it was a natural step for Ed to open a restaurant. Mo’Cara Restaurant opened in 2012 and Ed pours his heart and soul into the operations daily.

Ed continues to live and learn about food with constantly reading cookbooks, attending culinary classes and his latest accomplishment to graduate from Penn State Culinary Ice Cream School. He refers to himself as an "Artist" with food as his canvas; his passion comes from his soul. Ed is passionate, soulful, artistic, caring and humbled that our guests would let us cater their very special event.

Karen Freeze
Managing Partner

Karen "The Catering Queen" has been a trusted name in the wedding and event industry for more than 25 years, creating unforgettable celebrations and helping countless couples bring their dream weddings to life. Her passion for creating precious and beautiful moments has made her a favorite among clients throughout Middle Tennessee.

A graduate of Western Kentucky University, Karen holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Hospitality Management and Business Administration. She began her career with O'Charley's Restaurants, where she helped open more than 30 locations and oversaw front-of-house training. She later served as Director of Catering for Bound'ry Restaurant and General Manager of South Street Restaurant before finding her forever home with Two Fat Men Catering.

Karen is actively involved in the Middle Tennessee business community and proudly serves as an Ambassador for the Mt. Juliet Chamber of Commerce. Throughout her career, she has also been involved with industry organizations including National Association for Catering and Events, International Caterers Association, and previously served as President of Tennessee Wedding and Event Specialists Association.

Karen and her husband are proud parents of two grown sons and are enjoying life as empty nesters. When she's not planning extraordinary events, Karen enjoys scrapbooking, church activities, beach trips, sports (Georgia Football, shopping, and, of course, a little more shopping. Helping clients create memories that last a lifetime isn't just Karen's profession—it's her passion.

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Brenda Turner
Sales And Event Manager

Brenda has been employed with Two Fat Men Catering for over 16 years working part time. She retired earlier this year from her full time job with Bridgestone Firestone and is now working full time for the Fat Man.

Catering is in her DNA, she loves seeing all the events develop from the initial email/phone call to seeing our couples eyes light up on wedding day when they see their dream come to life.

Brenda's love is sun and fun. If she has any opportunity she is beach bound.