About SOLEX Fine Foods
Markus Draxler
To understand the full extent of the culinary expertise and epicurean passion behind SOLEX fine foods, it helps to take a glimpse into the life of its founder, Markus Draxler. His dedication to providing the highest quality products comes from his rich history in fine foods and hospitality. The name SOLEX Fine Foods was created from the names of Markus’ daughters, Sophia and Alexia.
As the son of a fifth generation innkeeper from Austria, the restaurant and hospitality industries run in Markus¹ blood. After graduating from the classic four-year hospitality apprenticeship in Austria, he spent close to a decade working in acclaimed restaurants, hotels, and cruise lines. His work took him around the world, from South Africa to Europe, and finally to New York City. It was there, under the mentorship of Michelin Chef Daniel Boulud as Maitre d’ Hotel at Restaurant Daniel, where Markus refined his passion and appreciation for haute cuisine.
After pursuing other business opportunities across the globe, Markus found himself yearning to reconnect with the epicurean world of New York. As luck would have it, Andrew Hamilton of Scottish Wild Harvest presented him with an opportunity to do just that. Since Markus witnessed firsthand the unique, high-end products that Andrew Hamilton supplied to Restaurant Daniel, he agreed to continue this legacy by providing the same fresh, premium quality products and superior service through his own venture.
More recently, Markus acquired CATSMO Artisan Smokehouse located in New York’s Hudson Valley at the foot of the Catskill Mountains. With this acquisition SOLEX expands it’s already diverse list of offerings to include some of the world’s finest artisanal smoked salmon as well as caviar and other smoked seafood.