Our Story
The Journey from Scratch to Collective Kitchen Catering Co.
The story of Collective Kitchen Catering begins long before the first plate was served in downtown Coeur d’Alene. It starts with Chef Jason Rex, a North Idaho native whose passion for food was inspired by his family kitchen and nurtured through formal training in Portland, Oregon. From the very beginning, Jason believed in the power of food to bring people together - fresh, local, and full of heart.
In 2007, Jason co-founded Scratch in Spokane, a restaurant built on a bold idea: every dish made from scratch, with attention to detail and respect for the ingredients. The concept quickly found success, becoming a go-to dining spot and establishing Jason as one of the Inland Northwest’s most creative culinary minds.
A few years later, Jason expanded across the state line into Idaho, opening a second Scratch in downtown Coeur d’Alene. But Jason had bigger ideas for what this location could become. By 2016, the restaurant was transformed and reimagined as Collective Kitchen Public House - a bistro-style concept that reflected Jason’s evolving culinary philosophy: approachable yet refined, rooted in community, and offering all-day menus that blended comfort food with creative flair.
Collective Kitchen quickly became a downtown CDA staple. Guests raved about dishes like lamb sliders, bacon-wrapped figs, artisan pizzas, and scratch-made pastas. Locals and visitors alike came not just for the food, but for the welcoming atmosphere - a place where people could gather, celebrate, and connect over a meal.
As the restaurant’s reputation grew, so did the demand for private dining and catering. Guests wanted to bring the Collective Kitchen experience to their weddings, corporate events, and private gatherings. Jason recognized the opportunity to take his passion for locally inspired, artfully prepared cuisine beyond the walls of the restaurant.
This vision came to life as Collective Kitchen Catering Co. - a natural evolution of the brand, dedicated solely to crafting memorable events through food.
The Team Behind the Evolution
Chef Jason Rex – Executive Chef & Co-Owner
With over 30 years of experience, Jason’s journey reflects dedication, creativity, and community. From his early days learning from his grandmother, to culinary study in Portland, to shaping Spokane’s Scratch and then CDA’s Collective Kitchen, Jason has consistently elevated dining in the region. His guiding principle remains the same: give people what they want, as fresh and local as possible. Today, he channels that philosophy into catering, where each menu is a story crafted from seasonal ingredients and delivered with elegance.
Andrew Eastin – Director of Operations & Events / Co-Owner
To bring the catering vision to life, Jason partnered with Andrew Eastin, a seasoned operator with a strong background in business and event management. As Director of Operations & Events, Andrew ensures that every celebration runs seamlessly, from logistics to guest experience. A father of five and avid golfer (and disc golfer), Andrew brings balance, focus, and precision to the business - qualities that make him the perfect complement to Jason’s culinary artistry.
Where We Are Today
Collective Kitchen Catering Co. is the culmination of this journey… decades of culinary experience, a beloved restaurant legacy, and a passion for creating shared experiences through food. From intimate dinners to grand weddings, Jason and Andrew lead a team dedicated to ensuring every detail is flawless, every dish is beautiful, and every event leaves lasting memories.
At Collective Kitchen Catering, food is never just food - it’s an experience, a connection, and a story worth telling.
