Happy New Year! Year 2021 presented us with many challenges that affected our ability to carry out business as usual; cancelled events, lack of product inventory, and staff related issues due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, not all was lost, we did experience a bounce-back during the summer months and the holiday season as clients began to entertain again.
During the year 2021, Occasional Occasions by Carlton, LLC (founded by Carlton Brown) and The Savory Plate, LLC (founded by Christopher Fitzpatrick) worked collaboratively to provide clients with expanded services and cuisine offerings. These collaborative efforts led to the merger of these two companies.
The newly formed company, Occasional Occasions Catering, LLC combines 35 years of providing catering services to clients; corporate and private in the Atlanta Metropolitan community. Clients will continue to receive the quality cuisine and catering services that both companies are known for, plus our condiment line of sauces, spices, jams and jellies from our Bon Appetit Y’all and Pantry Picks product lines.
This merger introduces The Savory Plate product line which offers an upscale intimate dining experience “Entertaining at Home” for clients who wish to spend an evening at home entertaining family, friends, and colleagues. The Savory Plate “Entertaining at Home” experience offers clients the opportunity to completely feel like a guest in your own home.
ABOUT OUR LEADERSHIP:
Chef Carlton A. Brown, President and Founding Owner
Carlton obtained his Bachelor of Science Degree in Culinary Arts Management from The Art Institute of Atlanta International School of Culinary Arts. Occasional Occasions is an LGBTE, Minority and Veteran owned and certified establishment. Chef Carlton received “Building a High-Performance Business” certification from Tuck School of Business at the Prestigious Dartmouth College. He received the award from (Atlanta Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce) AGLCC Member of the Year, and AGLCC Businessman of the Year. He also received the LGBT/Veteran’s Business Enterprise of the Year award. Chef Carlton aired his own cooking show entitled “Cooking with Chef Carlton” on the AIB local Atlanta TV Network. He acquired his CPCE Certification (Certified Professional Catering Executive). He has appeared on WAGA Fox 5 “Breakfast with Buck” highlighting his former breakfast restaurant “Hilda’s…A Breakfast to Write Home About!” and appeared on WXIA Channel 11 “Atlanta and Company” demonstrating several live cooking segments.
Chef Christopher T. Fitzpatrick, Corporate Chef and Partner
Christopher graduated with Magna Cum Laude honors in Culinary Arts Management at The Art Institute of Atlanta International School of Culinary Arts. Christopher developed his skills and passion for cooking while living in Europe and traveling throughout Asia, Africa, the Caribbean and in the United States. His cooking style and cuisine are influenced by the embrace of culture, ingredients, and spices. He has over 20 years of event production and planning experience and managing Food & Beverage banqueting for a host of corporate clients. He incorporates these experiences and expertise in conference and event planning, design, and project management into every project.
Chef Freddie Wilson, Executive Chef and Operations Director
Freddie started his career as a Fire Fighter in Chicago, Illinois, but soon realized his passion for cooking. He graduated from the Chicago City College Culinary Program. After graduating, he interned at the Grand Hotel in Mackinaw, Illinois. Freddie culinary career includes, Line Chef at the Grand Hotel, Mackinaw, Il; Banquet Chef, Chicago Hilton; Sergeant at Arms and Education Chairman, Board of Chefs of Chicago, Il 2009 – 2011; Member of American Culinary Federation (ACF) 2009 – 2012.
Chef Derrick DePores Chambliss, Sous Chef
Derrick is a native of New Orleans, LA and has been a resident of Atlanta since age 12. He was on the football, wresting, baseball and track teams during middle and high school and still enjoy sports and coaching his son. He served in the US Navy. After military, Derrick worked as a sales and marketing manager for 15 years. Derrick’s family and cultural experience (French, Creole, Italian, Spanish, Asian, West Indian, American, and Cuban) in New Orleans brought him back to the love of cooking. He has held chef positions from Chef Garde to Sommeliers in several restaurants in the Atlanta Metropolitan area. He loves blending different spices and natural herbs to bring out the true flavor of food. He refers to himself as a Connoisseur of Life…not a bystander, a participator in the Ultimate Human Experience!
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OCCASIONAL OCCASIONS CATERING LLC:
Occasional Occasions, LLC is listed as Atlanta’s Top 5 Catering Companies by Kev’s Best, an independent blog founded by Kevin Osborne. Kev’s Best provides reviews and ratings for all businesses located in the US.
Ranked #10 of the Atlanta’s top 15 largest LGBT-Owned Business Enterprises in the Atlanta Business Chronicle – 2022 Book of Lists
Occasional Occasions Catering, LLC is a boutique-style, custom catering company, specializing in Contemporary Southern & Fusion cuisine and providing off-premise catering for the Atlanta Metropolitan Area. Occasional Occasions is a Minority, NMSDC Certified MBE, NVBDC Certified Veteran Owned Business and LGBTBE Certified LGBT owned establishment.
WEBSITE AND SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS
www.OccasionalOccasionsCatering.com
www.facebook.com/ChefCarltonB
www.instagram.com/ChefCarltonB
www.Linkedin.com/in/ChefCarltonB
Thank you for making us one of the top 5 caterers in the Atlanta Metropolitan area. We are resolved to providing you with exquisite cuisine and a high level of customer service for your private and corporate needs. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call us at 404-963-6857 or visit our website at www.occasionaloccasionscatering.com. We look forward to serving you and your guests in 2022 and beyond.
Carlton and Christopher