THE CL TEAM
JONATHAN LUNDY, Chef/Owner
​
Chef/Owner Jonathan Lundy, of Corto Lima and formerly Jonathan at Gratz Park, continues to flourish in his hometown two decades after he opened his first restaurant in Lexington. Jonathan opened Corto Lima, a Latin-inspired concept in downtown Lexington in February 2017 with longtime friend and business partner, TJ Cox. He routinely host creates special dining events at unique venues throughout the Bluegrass and the events space above Corto Lima. His pop-up fine dining operation Jonathan’s Events, with business partners TJ Cox and Brie Lowry Cox, delivers quintessential Kentucky dining experiences while collaborating with organizations such as Castle & Key, Maker's Mark, West Sixth Brewing and Shaker Village, among others.
​
A James Beard Award Semi-Finalist for best Chef in the Southeast, Jonathan is also the author of "Jonathan's Bluegrass Table: Redefining Kentucky Cuisine” and was once branded as the poster boy for southern cuisine in Kentucky From 2014-2016, Lundy served as the executive chef of the Mint Julep Restaurant Group of Greer Companies. Jonathan owned and operated Jonathan at Gratz Park from 1998 to 2014. His background is steeped in Kentucky tradition and creative food concepts. Lundy earned his culinary degree from Johnson & Wales in Rhode Island. Jonathan grew up in Midway, Kentucky and has two children, Amelia, 21, and Julian, 15.
TJ COX, Owner/Director of Operations
​
A southern Kentucky native, TJ Cox has worked in fine dining in Lexington for over 18 years with a special commitment to outstanding beverage programs, crafting exceptional wine and whiskey lists along with hand-crafted cocktails. While Cox was the General Manager and Beverage Director at Jonathan at Gratz Park, he won the Grand Championship at the Kentucky Bourbon Festival's Mixed Drink Challenge for his innovative cocktail, the Oak Fashioned." In 2014, Cox joined the Greer Companies Mint Julep Restaurant Group becoming the company Sommelier & Beverage Director and redeveloping the beverage program at Coba Cocina. TJ holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Kentucky in Plant & Soil Science.
KEVIN YOWELL, General Manager
Interested in joining our team? We are always accepting applications.