January 30, 2017

Meet Abigail Chilton of Alligator Pear in Los Angeles

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Abigail Chilton.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
When I think back to how I started my journey in the culinary world, I realize that my interest started way back in high school. However, it wasn’t until after college that I decided to pursue that interest by first attending The Restaurant School (Philadelphia, PA), in my attempt to learn a bit about the industry. After school, I held positions as a restaurant manager, corporate chef for Occidental Petroleum and finally segued into event planning. In 1992 I decided that it was time to venture out on my own and opened a catering business. The early concept was providing cute, festive and healthy box meals for kids’ birthday parties.

I thought at the time this simple concept was a good way to start. I didn’t want to get too over my head. That business quickly turned into a full-scale catering operation and within a short period of time, I found myself catering for a wide spectrum of high profile clients. I poured my “all” into developing the business and used every ounce of energy I had and stick-to-it-ness to turn Alligator Pear (a.k.a. an avocado) into the success that it is today. Along the way, I also aligned myself with terrifically talented people including our Director of Operations, Executive Chef, Marketing Coordinator, culinary team and event staff.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Early on in my entrepreneurial career life, the road was not smoothly paved. There were nights that I would cry myself to sleep, worrying about finances, questioning if I should close the business. At those times, I reminded myself that I had it in me to make it work. I knew that I needed to tough out the hard times and if I stood close to my passion, all would work out in the end. At Alligator Pear’s inception, I was also raising a young family. As difficult as it was to devote an intensely focused energy on developing my business as well as motherhood, I felt that I was being a good role model for my young girls by showing them that not only is it important to actualize one’s passion in life, but also that hard work and grit pays off on many levels.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Alligator Pear – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Alligator Pear specializes in international cuisine with a California twist, combining exotic flavors with the clean, fresh tastes for which our region is famous. At the core of our company is the love of good food and the understanding that food is integral to every human connection.

At Alligator Pear we provide fresh ideas, unrivaled cuisine, and specialty services for any occasion. We take pride in our cutting-edge approach and style while offering exciting ideas tailored to each client’s needs and budget. We enjoy building relationships with our clients and creating unique menus based on individual tastes. Our ever changing menu options are endless and provide for an array of specialty diets including vegan, kosher style, gluten free and more.

As a full-service catering company, our talented staff can handle every detail from concept to completion for small intimate gatherings or events for thousands. From the traditional to the outrageous, we provide all the service and equipment needed to make each event a unique creation presented with innovative style.

We cater every type of occasion; Gala Receptions, Cocktail Parties, Screenings, Movie Premieres, Holiday Soirées, Gallery and Open House Events, Weddings, B’nai Mitzvahs, Afternoon Teas, Garden Parties and much more.

Our biggest accomplishment is annually flawlessly executing USC Commencement receptions for over 18,000 people…all in one day!

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I have envisioned for many years opening a location that is an exciting multi-concept culinary adventure featuring cooking classes, wine tastings, restaurant with ever changing menus and a store selling new and fun culinary items….all under one roof!
Perhaps one day soon I’ll actualize that vision.

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