Markus Draxler

Solex Fine Foods began with Markus Draxler and his dedication to providing the most artisanal and unique products in the fine foods and hospitality industries. As the son of a fifth-generation innkeeper from Austria, the restaurant and hospitality industries run in Markus’ 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 Chef Daniel Boulud as Maitre d’ Hotel at Restaurant Daniel, that 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 City. As luck would have it, Andrew Hamilton of Scottish Wild Harvest presented him with an opportunity to do just that, and Markus agreed to continue his legacy. Solex Fine Foods was founded in 2011. At the end of 2012, Solex Fine Foods purchased Catsmo Artisan Smokehouse, one of the leading suppliers of small-batch smoked salmon to five-star hotels, restaurants and specialty food shops. Catsmo also sells and distributes premium-grade caviar. More recently, Markus’ relationship with Chef Daniel Boulud led to a partnership with Boulud himself and the conception of Daniel Boulud Kitchen, a specially crafted line of smoked salmon smoked exclusively at Catsmo Artisan Smokehouse. These products are now sold at retailers throughout the tri-state area. With a warehouse in Northern New Jersey, smokehouse operations in Upstate New York and a sales office in Midtown Manhattan, Solex Fine Foods is now a growing force in the specialty foods industry, continuously sourcing the best wild mushrooms, local dairy and produce, wild game, seafood, truffles, and more.