Pauline Parry is a highly regarded Founder and CEO of Good Gracious! Events, an award-winning food and beverage company. With an unwavering commitment to excellence, she has built an impressive career in the hospitality industry. She is also the author of two acclaimed books, Food Fun Love – Party Styles and My Culinary Love Story.
With numerous accolades to her name, including Caterer of the Year, Best Event for a Corporation, Best Off-Premise Caterer, The I-3 Award (Innovation, Inspiration, and Instruction), ACE (Achievement in Catering Excellence), and the UK’s John Mossman Award for ICA, Pauline has solidified her reputation as a leader in her field. Today, she serves as an inspiration for aspiring hospitality professionals looking to make a mark in the industry.
Embarking on an Unexpected Journey in Hospitality
Pauline’s journey into hospitality was unplanned. As a newly single mother, she had no idea what lay ahead when she dined at a local French-style bistro in Somerset and was unexpectedly offered a job by the restaurant owners. “My response was, ‘What would I do?'” she recalls. Taking on the challenge, she quickly developed a passion for culinary arts and hospitality.
After gaining experience in the bistro, Pauline moved on to a Michelin Star restaurant at Thornbury Castle, where she lived and worked with her two children. As Assistant Manager, she also helped open the Castle as a seven-room boutique hotel. “The experience and knowledge gained were incredible, and I remain grateful to the owner, Kenneth Bell, for pushing me to excel,” she says.
Pauline’s next chapter took her to America, where she followed her heart and relocated to California. Initially considering work in a restaurant, hotel, or country club, she was encouraged by friends to start her own hospitality company. “I must thank the American entrepreneurial spirit for giving me the encouragement to believe that anything is possible with drive and passion,” she says.
The company’s name, Good Gracious! Events, has a sentimental origin. During a phone call with her mother in England, her mother exclaimed, “Good gracious, is that you, Pauline?” That moment inspired the name of her future business.
About Good Gracious! Events
Founded in Los Angeles over four decades ago, Good Gracious! Events is a premier catering company specializing in event design, wedding consulting, event planning, corporate meetings, and gourmet catering. Known for its trendsetting style, attention to detail, and exquisite culinary creations, the company has built a strong reputation for excellence.
The key to its success lies in its unwavering commitment to quality. Pauline attributes much of this success to client referrals and repeat business. “We pride ourselves on innovation, presentation, and delivering artistic, delicious food with exceptional hospitality at every event,” she says. After 40 years in business, Good Gracious! Events has become an industry leader known for creating unforgettable experiences.
Reaching the Next Level
One defining moment that elevated Good Gracious! Events’ reputation involved catering for a major gaming company’s product launch for 5,000 guests in Los Angeles. Initially shortlisted among ten potential caterers, Pauline and her team faced the challenge of proving themselves despite never having executed an event of this scale.
During their initial pitch meeting, they brought lunch boxes for the event producers, hoping to leave a lasting impression. Realizing the magnitude of the project, Pauline decided not to simply submit a proposal by mail. Instead, she and her team flew to Atlanta to present their proposal in person. Their initiative paid off-Good Gracious! Events secured the contract and executed an event featuring 45 double-sided food stations, 88 bars, a VIP reception, and intricate food station d cor. The partnership lasted for 15 years, cementing their reputation for handling large-scale, high-profile events.
Writing a New Chapter
Pauline’s journey also led her to authorship. Encouraged by a publisher, she wrote FOOD, FUN, LOVE: Party Styles, an entertainment lifestyle book showcasing event concepts, menus, recipes, and hospitality tips. “It was hard work, but a truly rewarding experience,” she says.
Her second book, My Culinary Love Story, released in 2022, chronicles her journey into the hospitality industry and her move to America, accompanied by recipes that have shaped her career. Currently, she is working on her third book, tentatively titled So That’s How You See It?, which will explore the business side of Good Gracious! Events and maintaining a balanced lifestyle.
Crafting Memorable Events
When working with clients, Pauline and her team meticulously listen to their needs, visit venues, and collaborate with industry partners to bring their vision to life. Staying informed on food, wine, design, and industry trends allows them to create extraordinary experiences.
Balancing Tradition and Innovation
Pauline believes that a deep understanding of traditional culinary methods is essential before introducing innovation. “The foundation of great cuisine is tradition. Once you have that, you can add a modern twist, whether it’s through new flavor profiles or contemporary presentations,” she explains.
Staying Ahead of the Curve
Under Pauline’s leadership, Good Gracious! Events remains at the forefront of the industry by encouraging team members to attend conferences, participate in staff exchanges, take on leadership roles, and speak at industry events. Additionally, the company has fostered strong relationships with long-standing clients who return year after year.
Event Planning Trends to Watch in 2024
Pauline predicts that social media will continue to play a crucial role in shaping event trends. She also emphasizes the importance of technology in enhancing customer experiences through food, hospitality, entertainment, and activities.
Words of Wisdom
For those aspiring to enter the culinary and hospitality industry, Pauline advises embracing the profession with passion and dedication. “This industry is all about emotions, details, and understanding people. It requires creativity and vision to transform ideas into extraordinary events,” she says. She also reminds aspiring professionals that success in hospitality demands hard work, as weekends, holidays, and evenings are often dedicated to creating magical experiences for others.
Pauline Parry’s journey is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and innovation in the world of hospitality. Through Good Gracious! Events, she continues to set the standard for excellence, inspiring the next generation of industry professionals.