Our Team
Louis Fabbri
Fate gave a little push when a family friend invited Lou to join him in the banquet business as co-owner of Mar Lac House. As an eager young accountant turned banquet businessman, Lou produced thousands of magnificent events featuring homemade Italian specialties. He is responsible for creating the legacy of excellence that followed from Oak Park to Glen Ellyn in 2002.
Lou currently acts as president of the Abbington, maintaining the books and making sure the facility glimmers and gleams.
Lou continues to be an active member of his community, bringing repeat business to the Abbington year after year. A long-time member of Oak Park River Forest Rotary and Rotary International, Lou attends weekly meetings and annual events across the globe. After years of hosting events at Mar Lac House and Abbington Distinctive Banquets, Lou’s favorite event is a quiet Christmas Eve dinner with his wife, their three sons, and their families. These dinners always feature the Italian specialties found on our menus today. From our family to yours- Buon Appetito!
Michael J. Fabbri
As the son of the Abbington’s president and an experienced businessman, Mike takes the lead in the front of the house operations. Having grown up in the family business, he focuses on honest practices, mindfulness, and meticulous care for our guests.
As a young adult, Mike left the family business to pursue a degree in business administration and marketing.But in September 1989, he returned to join the team as general manager. When the Fabbri family moved the business to Glen Ellyn in May of 2002, Mike took on his current role and has been here since.
When Mike isn’t at the Abbington, you will find him enjoying a quiet night in with his darling wife, enjoying a scrumptious, homemade Italian dinner. When he finds time, Mike takes pleasure in treating his wife and family to local attractions and tropical vacations.
Tara Kubicki
With twenty years of experience in the event industry, Tara is confident, meticulous, and a master of change – truly an influential asset to the team.
A small-town country girl, Tara moved to the Chicagoland area to work as a banquet server at a local hotel. Through years of experience in serving and bartending, Tara worked her way to the front office where she became a sales assistant and found her passion
After 10 years as a sales manager at the Abbington, Tara was promoted to director of sales and catering and then in 2016, to general manager.Having built her career in Chicagoland, Tara is an expert on preferred vendors – including decorators, florists, photographers, disc jockeys and many more. Her favorite part of event management is guiding clients through the planning process.
When Tara isn’t at the office you can find her feet up, glass of red wine in hand, lounging on her backyard patio dreaming of sandy Caribbean beaches with her husband. Find her at special events throughout the year including the NRA Show Chicago, Naperville Rib Fest, and rock concerts
Kathy Koutsogiannis
Kathy brings a plethora of knowledge and experience in hospitality, banquets, and sales to our team. She is a true gem. Her care for customers and respect for the business are two of her brightest characteristics.
Kathy left her first day in the banquet industry with three blisters, $11 in tips, and thought, “this is crazy! I can’t do this job!” But now, forty years later, Kathy is a peerless member of our team with an understanding of multiple positions in the industry.
From simple holiday parties and other social events to epic Quinceaneras and wedding receptions, Kathy enjoys every part of the event planning process. Kathy loves getting to know her clients, so she knows the whole story: from the ring to the proposal, and all details of planning.
When Kathy isn’t at the Abbington you will find her enjoying early breakfasts at Butterfield’s with her beloved husband. The couple also enjoys road trips to visit their granddaughters, caring for their home, cuddling on the couch and watching reruns of NYPD Blue.
Victoria Spizzirri
Monica Lonngren
Monica is a passionate and driven event coordinator with a strong background in the hospitality industry, and over 15 years of experience. She graduated with a bachelor’s in hospitality management from Kendall College, in Chicago.
Monica’s career path has taught her many skills like exceptional customer service, meticulous attention to detail, and high-level communication. She is no stranger to high-pressure environments and has a proven track record of delivering flawless, executed events that exceed client expectations. She understands that each event is unique and requires a tailored approach, and most importantly believes in building strong relationships. We are excited to have Monica join the Abbington team!
When she’s not at work, she spends time with husband and two kids, Jackson and Lorelai. She has a german shepard, Luna, and a black cat, Mookie….Full house of chaos and laughter! Growing up in the Glen Ellyn area she loves being a part of the community.
Our Chefs
Robert Fabbri
Chef Rob seasons the team with over twenty-five years of experience in hospitality and kitchen management. He works zealously to provide the highest quality food and beverages; the key that sets the Abbington above and beyond our competition.
In 1987, Chef Rob began his career as the co-owner of the Mar Lac House with his father and brother. When the business moved to Glen Ellynin 2002, Rob assumed the position of executive chef.
When Chef Rob isn’t managing the Abbington kitchens, he enjoys playful afternoons with his wife and sons. Each year, Rob raises support for and participates in “Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes”. His favorite family recipe – Chicken Toscano with Vesuvio-style Potatoes– was featured in the Daily Herald in April 2005.