Marguerite Lytle
Principal

Native New Yorker, Marguerite Lytle, is a graduate of the food and hospitality school at the Rochester Institute of Technology. With a broad range of experience working in fine dining and resort communities, Lytle moved to Chicago in 1986 to accept a position at Marriott Corporation. Over a period of several years, Lytle and Gutekanst had the opportunity to collaborate on a multitude of catering projects prior to forming their successful partnership. Lytle and her 19 year old daughter live in Chicago. Lytle served on the board for The Enterprising Kitchen (past President), past member and officer of the Women’s Auxiliary Board at Sacred Heart Schools and is involved with Women in Catering, National Association of Women Business Owners(NAWBO), Chef’s Collaborative.

Rita Gutekanst
Principal

Originally from Wilmette, Illinois, Rita Gutekanst has more than thirty years experience working in Chicago’s food industry, earning a reputation as a leader and innovator. Gutekanst’s illustrious career has included appointments at numerous highly-regarded Chicago restaurants such as: Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises, Jerome's, and The Sausalito. In 1990, Gutekanst and her business partner Marguerite Lytle established their own business, Rita’s Catering, now LIMELIGHT. Gutekanst assisted in the production of the Academy Awards Governors Ball in Los Angeles, California in 2000, 2001, and 2004 and has received numerous awards of recognition for her contributions to the world of catering. Gutekanst is married to composer and sound designer, David Huizenga. Together they have an 18 year-old daughter Natalie.

Gutekanst is active in several Chicago area organizations including:

• Les Dames d’Escoffier – Past President
• Minority and Women Business Enterprises
• Women in Catering
• Women Chefs and Restaurateurs
• Chicago’s Green City Market - Board Member
• Member Chefs Collaborative

Nicole Orlando
Director of Sales

Nicole boasts a Master’s Degree in Integrated Marketing Communications from Roosevelt University. Her nine year tenure with Limelight provides her veteran experience that has an impetus for the company’s meteoric growth over the past five years. While working heavily with many of the city’s most respected institutes of higher learning such as Northwestern and the University of Chicago Nicole’s training ground with weddings makes her an expert in the field and calm under pressure. Possessing a love of food and a never ending curiosity of the specialty cocktail she knows the impact food and beverage has on an event. Her culinary interests, the diversity of the industry and the constant challenges to make each client’s event better then the last is why Nicole loves it at Limelight. Nicole resides in Chicago with her husband Nick and their children Connor and Ryann where she is an active member in the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce.

Kimberly Hrejsa
Sales Executive

A native of Chicago, Kimberly earned her degree in Business Administration at Illinois State University. After working under industry luminaries amassing experience in catering, hotels and conventions Kim found a home at Limelight in 2004. Working heavily in both social and corporate arenas her well rounded experience and background make her invaluable to clients. While working with private clients in their home to find the perfect balance of polish and hospitality Kim thrives on the big stage. Taking on the corporate entertaining for Lollapalooza three years straight and managing President Obama’s VIP food service on election night she calls Grant Park her home. A love of dabbling in new foods and cocktails keeps Kim happy residing in Lincoln Park where she is active with the Special Olympics of America.
 

Nicole Bernat
Sales Executive

Nicole Bernat has 15 years of experience in the food service industry. After pursuing her bachelors in violin performance at Eastern Illinois University, Nicole began her career in the world of fine dining. While working in restaurants from Las Vegas to Houston, her love of the arts shifted from music to gastronomy. In 2004, Nicole returned to her native Chicago to work at Nick’s Fishmarket where she developing a breadth of knowledge in classic table service, culinary arts, private dining, wines and sales. In the summer of 2008, Nicole entered Chicago’s catering community producing corporate, non-profit, and social events. An expert in menu development, Nicole believes your event whether large or small, begins with the perfect menu.