Why We Love Food.
About Our Founder and Executive Chef
Chef Matthew Stone is an accomplished culinary professional with over two decades of experience across some of the nation’s most respected kitchens and hospitality brands. A graduate of Johnson & Wales University with degrees in both Culinary Arts and Food Service Management, Chef Matt has held leadership roles in high-volume fine dining, upscale casual, and concept-driven kitchens in cities such as Boston, Atlanta, and Philadelphia. His tenure at The Capital Grille and True Food Kitchen showcased not only his ability to drive operational excellence and profitability but also his dedication to mentoring talent and cultivating high-performing culinary teams. His work on Bravo TV’s Top Chef Quickfire initiative further demonstrated his creativity and command of the culinary spotlight, where he helped shape a branded dining experience from concept to execution.
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In 2020, amidst the uncertainty of the global pandemic, Chef Matt and his wife Rhiannon founded Dragonfly Catering, born out of their desire to serve their local community with comfort, connection, and culinary craftsmanship. What began as home-delivered meals quickly grew into a full-service, catering operation that now includes private chef services, artisan pop-ups, and curated event experiences. Their enterprise has flourished from a home kitchen to a shared collaborative space at Artisan Exchange, and eventually into a dedicated venue at the Flowing Springs Inn, and now the historic James Buchanan Mansion. The heart of Dragonfly’s success lies in Matt’s relentless pursuit of excellence, his ability to balance creativity with personal touches, and his passion for connecting people through food.
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Today, Chef Matt leads Dragonfly at the Buchanan Mansion, a refined culinary destination blending history, hospitality, and innovation. Whether hosting elegant plated dinners, immersive cultural tasting experiences, bourbon pairings, or interactive cooking classes, Chef Matt’s approach remains rooted in integrity, flavor, and community. His personal mission is to create not just meals, but moments—elevating events through thoughtful preparation, sustainable sourcing, and heartfelt storytelling on every plate. Chef Matt continues to inspire both guests and colleagues alike, proving that food, at its best, is love made visible.
