Robert Lapkin specialized in corporate catering

The former Pillsbury employee founded the Gourmet Express in the '90s before starting his corporate service.

By Ben Cohen, Star Tribune

Last update: November 19, 2007 - 9:04 PM

Robert Lapkin of Golden Valley had the soul of a restaurateur, but he never ran a restaurant.

Lapkin, who marketed meals for corporate gatherings that are prepared by local restaurants, died of a heart attack at his home Nov. 11. He was 53.

Lapkin's Creative Corporate Catering has experienced healthy growth, according to an Oct. 3 Star Tribune business column.

Terri Dulmig, a manager of the firm, said that Lapkin left a strong business, and taught his employees well.

"Everything goes to Bob. Without him, I wouldn't know what I know," Dulmig said. "The man hasn't been anything but generous with his time and talents. He would give you the shirt off his back."

In 1981, he moved to Minneapolis to work in marketing for Pillsbury. In the early 1990s, Lapkin went into business for himself, founding Gourmet Express, a catering firm that served residential and business customers.

He sold that business in 1999, and started the current firm in 2001.

Creative Corporate Catering serves the Twin Cities metro area and St. Louis, Mo., and Lapkin was planning forays into several more cities.

Mike Jennings, who owns Rosen's City Tavern and other establishments, is a supplier to the Lapkin firm.

"He was always so driven, taking care of the customer, and also taking care of his restaurants," said Jennings. "When he knew those two were working great, that's when you saw him happiest."

Outside of work, Lapkin was a photographer and a glass blower, who "made beautiful pieces of art," said his wife, Cathi, of Golden Valley.

"He just got so much energy, making things for people he loved," she said.

He also enjoyed camping, hiking and canoeing.

Lapkin, a native of Richmond, Va., earned an MBA degree from George Washington University in Washington around 1980.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughters, Hannah and Sophie, both of Golden Valley; son, Elliott, of Golden Valley; parents, Sam and Harriet, of Richmond, Va.; sisters, Judy Craig, of Mendham, N.J., and Debbie Leon, of Orinda, Calif.

Services have been held.

Ben Cohen • bcohen@startribune.com