Businesswoman Harriet Dupree Bradley, who catered Lexington’s most lavish parties, dies

Janet Patton
·2 min read

Harriet Dupree Bradley, popular longtime Lexington businesswoman and philanthropic fixture of the community, died Oct. 31. She had battled ovarian cancer in recent years.

A chef by training, she founded Dupree Catering + Events after graduating from Le Cordon Bleu in London. For more than 28 years, her company catered many of Lexington’s most lavish parties and balls.

In 2003, she started Entree Vous, a meal prep assembly company, and sold the catering business in 2014. Entree Vous soon was franchised to 50 locations around the country; she sold that business in 2008.

She was married to Guy Bradley and was the daughter of Dupree Mutual Funds owner Thomas Dupree Sr.

Harriet Dupree Bradley in October 2007, after she started Entree Vous, her meal prep company. Bradley died Oct. 31 in Lexington.
Harriet Dupree Bradley in October 2007, after she started Entree Vous, her meal prep company. Bradley died Oct. 31 in Lexington.

She also helped create recipes and menus for fast casual restaurant concepts including Kenny Rogers Roasters, and she was a partner in the Lexington location. Working with former Kentucky Gov. John Y. Brown and Phyllis George, she developed recipes for John Y’s Chicken Grill and Chicken by George.

She remained active in the food industry through Harriet Dupree Consulting, writing recipes and cookbooks, food reviews and more.

Owner Harriet Dupree of Dupree’s Catering in 2001. She sold the business after nearly three decades catering Lexington parties and events.
Owner Harriet Dupree of Dupree’s Catering in 2001. She sold the business after nearly three decades catering Lexington parties and events.

Bradley also was a major fundraiser for the Living Arts and Science Center, where she served multiple terms on the board, according to board chairman Markus Cross.

“She was truly an amazing presence ... was always enthusiastic, always had great plans for the center and supported it financially and with her time,” Cross said on Wednesday. “A really significant presence.”

Bradley also was involved with historic Shaker Village in Harrodsburg.

“Harriet was a longtime supporter of Shaker Village, having served on the board of trustees for a dozen years and was chair of the hospitality committee, said Bob Gigliotti, Shaker Village president and CEO. “Her hospitality industry experience and guidance were invaluable as we completed several initiatives to take our operations to a higher level. She will be deeply missed by everyone at Shaker Village.”

Memorial details and a complete obituary were not immediately available; arrangements will be under the direction of Milward Funeral Home.

Harriet and Guy Bradley on June 4, 2019.
Harriet and Guy Bradley on June 4, 2019.