In this episode of Chess Not Checkers, Keith Riddle and Jordan Tampien sit down with Kristen Ward, the creative force behind Spokane’s The Ivory Table Catering. Kristen shares her journey from aspiring musician and singer to running one of the city’s premier catering companies.

She talks about how her early experiences in music and travel shaped her creativity, how a move to Spokane led her to discover a passion for food, and how an unexpected opportunity at a café sparked the birth of The Ivory Table. From there, she pivoted into high-end catering for weddings and corporate events, building a team that thrives on resilience, learning, and shared ambition.

Kristen also reflects on the lessons learned along the way, her approach to leadership and hiring, and her vision for the future of The Ivory Table, which may include expanding into lifestyle and design ventures.

To learn more about Ivory Table, check out ivorytable.com.