Meet the Owner Behind Every Event We Cater
Matt Gillett | Owner of Saddleback Restaurant Group
Meet Matt Gillett
Matt Gillett is the owner of Saddleback Restaurant Group, a Lansing-based hospitality company dedicated to craft food, community connection, and creating spaces that bring people together. A Mason High School alum and former soccer player, Matt spent over a decade working in Lansing’s restaurant and hospitality scene before opening Saddleback BBQ in REO Town in 2015.
Matt’s vision has grown the company from a single BBQ restaurant into a group of locally loved concepts, including Slice by Saddleback and Coach’s Pub & Grill. Each concept reflects his focus on quality, consistency, and community. Values that guide every decision he makes.
Outside of work, Matt is a devoted husband and father of three. His family also includes two dogs, chickens, and ducks, keeping life lively and full of energy. He enjoys hunting, cheering on his kids at soccer games, and exploring the Lansing area whenever he gets the chance.
Matt’s leadership philosophy is simple: create welcoming environments, serve food made with care, invest in the community, and build places people are proud to return to again and again. His passion for hospitality and connection is at the heart of everything Saddleback does, both in the restaurants and beyond.
Catering Is About Trust
When you choose a caterer, you’re trusting more than a menu. You’re trusting a team to show up prepared, communicate clearly, and take care of the details so you can focus on your guests.
That trust is something Matt has built Saddleback Catering around from the very beginning.
How Catering Built Saddleback
Before Saddleback BBQ ever existed, Matt was still figuring out his path. He had years of restaurant experience, but limited hands‑on kitchen and operational experience. Catering became the proving ground.
Starting with a BBQ trailer as a side hustle, Matt took on events, competitions, and small catering jobs while still working his day job. Those early events gave him the opportunity to learn, experiment, and build confidence without the pressure of a full restaurant opening.
Catering provided structure early on. Deposits and booked events created predictability and helped fund the early months of launching Saddleback. Those first gigs weren’t massive, but they laid the foundation for everything that followed.
The Principles Behind Every Event
Catering at Saddleback is built around 4 simple ideas:
Events should feel organized, calm, and well‑run
Food should be consistent, memorable, and prepared with care
Communication should be clear from first inquiry to final cleanup
Guests should feel taken care of, not rushed or overlooked
Matt’s focus is making sure these standards are met every time, by every team member.
Why Catering Matters So Much
Catering isn’t just another revenue stream. It’s about creating experiences people remember.
People remember how an event made them feel. They remember the food, the conversations, and the moments they shared. Those experiences often lead to future events, long‑term relationships, and continued trust.
Without catering, Saddleback wouldn’t be what it is today. It has shaped how the business operates, how teams are built, and how hospitality is delivered.
What Sets Us Apart
Built Through Experience
Thousands of events catered over the years, from backyard gatherings to large-scale celebrations. Each one helped shape how we plan, prepare, and execute today.
A Team You Can Trust
Our catering team is trained, experienced, and empowered to handle the details so your event runs smoothly from start to finish.
Systems That Scale
Clear processes, reliable communication, and flexibility where it matters most. That’s how we deliver consistent results, event after event.
Let’s Plan Your Event
Whether you’re hosting a wedding, company event, or family celebration, our catering team is ready to help you create an experience your guests will remember.