Meet Cassie | Director of Operations/Owner/Little Bear Catering

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cassie and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cassie, what is the most important factor behind your success?
Honestly? It’s our team.
Little Bear wouldn’t exist without the people who’ve shown up day after day with talent, grit, and a shared belief that food can create real connection. It started with me building something from the ground up—but what’s kept us moving forward is a crew that deeply cares. This business is personal. It’s built on years of experience in hospitality, a relentless work ethic and a whole lot of love for feeding people as well.

My business partner, Steve, brings a sense of humor, groundedness, and operational strength that balances out the whirlwind energy I bring to the table. Our culinary team is incredibly diverse, with roots in cultures and cuisines that shape how we cook and how we serve. There’s depth behind every bite.

And our service team? They are the unsung heroes. Even during challenging transitions in our kitchen, the core of our front-of-house staff has carried us. They’ve shown up early, stayed late, and made our clients feel seen, celebrated, and cared for—every single time.

What sets us apart is that we don’t just serve food—we become part of our clients’ memories. One of the most meaningful moments in my career happened recently: we catered a graduation party last year for a family in Altadena. This year, during the fires, they lost everything—their homes, their stability. After months of living in hotels and Airbnbs, they finally reunited under one roof. And when they wanted to mark that moment of healing and togetherness—they called us.
To be remembered—not just for great food, but as a source of comfort and joy during a time of rebuilding—that’s what keeps me going.

Everything about Little Bear is intentional–from the way we plate food to the way we communicate with clients. We’re not the loudest or the most elite in the room. But we’re loyal. We’re resourceful. We’re resilient. Every client gets our full attention. Every dish has a story. We protect what we care about. And when it’s time to show up, we show up with everything we’ve got.
That’s what it means to be a little bear.

What should our readers know about your business?
Little Bear Catering is a boutique catering company based in Los Angeles. We specialize in food that feels fresh, intentional, and personal—designed to bring people together in a way that’s comforting but still creative.

We’re known for thoughtful menus, a warm and polished service team, and food that’s seasonal, delicious, and full of personality. No generic packages or cookie-cutter setups. Every event is different—and we build each menu from scratch to reflect that. We care about how the food tastes, yes—but also how it looks, how it flows, and how it makes people feel.

What sets us apart? We’re small, but agile. We work harder than most because we actually care. We’re hands-on with our clients, our chefs are in tune with the vibe of every event, and our front-of-house team treats guests like family. We’re not trying to be the biggest—we’re focused on being the most trusted.

Getting here wasn’t easy. This business was built from the ground up with no funding, no major backers—just pure grit. There were moments we weren’t sure we’d make payroll, moments we had to stretch a 3-person team to do the work of 10. But we kept going. Word-of-mouth carried us. Client loyalty kept us afloat. And we stayed scrappy, solutions-focused, and honest with ourselves about what worked and what didn’t.

We’ve made mistakes—but we’ve learned fast. We’ve grown a loyal client base, formed strong venue and vendor partnerships, and recently started attracting interest from industry veterans who want to invest in our future.

What I want people to know is that Little Bear isn’t just a catering company. We’re a small but mighty team of people who show up with everything we’ve got. We believe hospitality should feel like a hug. And that good food, served with heart, has the power to turn any gathering into something unforgettable.

We’ve still got big plans—and we’re just getting started.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend came to visit LA, the first thing I’d do is cook for them—or more accurately, have our Little Bear chefs whip up a full spread in my backyard oasis in Sherman Oaks. It’s the heart of my home and the most me way to kick things off: good food, mocktails, candles, music, and no timeline.

Breakfast? Always Aroma Cafe. It’s charming, delicious, and feels like a neighborhood hug.

We’d definitely do a day out in nature. I’d take them to Paradise Falls or Switzer Falls—my favorite hidden waterfall hikes that still feel like actual LA secrets. And for a beach day, I go for Venice. It’s weird and wild and totally itself. Perfect combo of ocean, people-watching, and just enough grit.

One weekend stop would be Smorgasburg—you can eat your way across 10 cultures in one afternoon. And because I’m from Detroit, we’re going to Edy’s for proper Detroit-style pizza.

We’d also check out The Autry Museum (so underrated) and Valley Relics Museum

And if we want a night out without the hangover, we’re going to Stay Zero Proof, an alcohol-free bar that still delivers on vibe and flavor.

I don’t get out as much as I’d like (running a business will do that to you), but when I do, I go where things feel rooted, welcoming, and full of flavor. That’s my version of LA—and that’s what I’d want them to remember.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Honestly, Little Bear wouldn’t be here without our clients—the folks who believed in us from day one.

Those early supporters, trusted regulars, and people who booked us off a gut feeling—before we had the polish or portfolio—helped us build a foundation. Every word-of-mouth referral, every repeat booking, every email that said “We trust you”—that’s what gave this company its legs.

Next is our team. We’re a lean crew, but mighty. Every person who has loaded a van at sunrise, jumped into service without hesitation, stayed late to clean up in the dark—these are the people who carry Little Bear forward. Their commitment, hustle, and genuine care for our clients is the heartbeat of what we do.

This business was personal from the start, and it still is. But it’s grown into something bigger—something shared. Little Bear exists because of trust, loyalty, and a lot of behind-the-scenes grit.

We may be small, but we’re built to last.

Website: https://www.littlebearcatering.com

Instagram: @littlebearcatering