Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennie Trinh and TJ Holgado.
Jennie and TJ, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
TJ and I met working for one of Los Angeles’ largest restaurant groups. Our restaurant was centrally located in downtown so the owners decided to start catering to the nearby offices and asked us to spearhead the project. We were fortunate to learn the business under the umbrella of an established brand and eventually decided to start a catering business of our own.
Our first official gig was at the 626 Night Market in Santa Anita. It was a lot of work and not very profitable but we had a blast selling Chicken Katsu Sliders alongside friends and family. In the beginning, we mainly catered small private dinners and family barbeques. Then in 2013, a close friend asked us to cater his wedding. We had never catered an event that large on our own. We were hesitant at first but after much back and forth we decided to put ourselves out there and it ended up paying off. The wedding was featured on a popular wedding blog and we booked 5 more weddings within a few months! Nowadays it’s common for people to stop by our kitchen during events to compliment the food and service and also request for our contact information. We have now been in business for 4 years and love reminiscing on how far we come in such a short period of time.
Has it been a smooth road?
Starting a business of your own is never a smooth road. We have learned a lot along the way and we are still learning as we go. I love the catering business because each day is always different. Every event space provides its own set of challenges so there’s never a dull moment and nothing is ever routine.
Last Monday we catered a cocktail party for a law office downtown. We had to set up our kitchen inside a spare storage closet because of limited space. The very next day we were down in Newport Beach catering a private dinner for 15 guests in a $17 million-dollar home. The kitchen alone was probably $1.5 million! The unexpected can be challenging but it’s also what makes this business so much fun!
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Hungry Bear Catering – Los Angeles – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
We are a boutique catering company based out of Los Angeles, California. We pride ourselves in creating custom menus that not only reflect our taste but represent our client’s tastes as well. If you look at our website you won’t find standardized menus, options A, B, or C etc. We prefer meeting with clients to learn about their vision and preferences then create a custom menu for their event.
It might be a dish at your favorite restaurant or the dessert that was served on your first date. Those are the little details that we love incorporating into menus.
We are blessed to have access to all the amazing produce available here in Southern California. One of our favorite things to do is spending the day searching the local farmer’s markets to see what’s in season and brainstorm new dishes for upcoming events.
What are we most proud of? Our HBC Crew!! Catering can be a crazy business and wouldn’t be able to do it without them.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
What do we like best about our city? We love the weather and the availability of amazing produce all year long. We are also spoiled with the diversity of food options here in LA.
Least about our city – TRAFFIC!! lol
Contact Info:
- Address: 2684 Lacy st, Los Angeles, CA 90031 office- by appointment only
- Website: www.hungrybearcatering.com
- Phone: 626.250.4985
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: hungrybearcatering
- Facebook: Hungry Bear Catering
- Yelp: Hungry Bear Catering Co
Image Credit:
Studio Castillero, Carly Rae, Ether and Smith, Kappan photography
