2011
Pudgies are Born
Our signature treat — the Pudgie — debuts and becomes a neighborhood favorite.
Accessible Elegance & Always a Great Time
About
Evelyn's Kitchen was founded in 2010 with a simple goal: create exceptional food and make the catering process easier for clients. What began as a small East Harlem business has grown into one of New York’s most trusted catering companies. From intimate gatherings to large-scale productions, our approach remains the same: thoughtful hospitality, creative menus, and a commitment to getting the details right.
Ayala Donchin
Before founding Evelyn’s Kitchen, Ayala Donchin spent more than fifteen years working in sports and entertainment, leading community and philanthropic initiatives for athletes, celebrities, and the brands that do business with them.
As Director of Community Relations for the New York Knicks and later as a founding partner of Standards Inc., Ayala built a career creating innovative programs with heart and integrity and connecting people through shared experiences. Those same principles continue to guide Evelyn’s Kitchen today.
In September 2009, Ayala decided to follow her passion for food and hospitality, launching Evelyn’s Kitchen from her studio apartment on a whim. Named after her late godmother, Evelyn, the goal was to bring people together with great food, genuine hospitality, and a belief that every gathering should feel fun, personal, and memorable.
One year later, with Madison Square Garden as its first major client, Evelyn’s Kitchen moved into its East Harlem home. What began as a side venture quickly grew into a company defined by relationships, reputation, and a commitment to taking care of people.
Over the years, Ayala has built Evelyn’s Kitchen into a nationally recognized brand while raising her daughter, Brooklyn. As Brooklyn grew up, so did the business, reinforcing the values that continue to shape Evelyn’s Kitchen today: hard work, integrity, teamwork, adaptability, and a commitment to building lasting relationships.
Over the years, our work has been featured on Food Network, recognized by New York Magazine, and expanded nationwide through Goldbelly and QVC.
Building a Brand
Milestones
2014
The Oprah Effect
O Magazine spotlights Evelyn’s Kitchen Banana Pudding Pudgies as one of Gayle’s Favorite Things
2020
COVID
World shuts down. EK feeds families.
2015
Brooklyn is Born
Baby Brooklyn is born. ❤︎
2009
Evelyn's Kitchen Founded
Evelyn’s Kitchen is founded in an NYC studio apartment.
2010
Evelyn's Kitchen Café Opens
Evelyn’s Kitchen Café opens in East Harlem
Our Team
Meet Team EK
At the heart of Evelyn’s Kitchen is Team EK.
Our core team has worked together for more than a decade, bringing consistency, trust, and a shared sense of purpose to every event. In an industry known for turnover, we’re proud of the culture we’ve built and the relationships that have kept our team together for so many years.
Our Community
Rooted in Community
East Harlem has been home to Evelyn’s Kitchen since 2010, and the neighborhood continues to shape who we are.
Through charitable partnerships, donations, volunteer efforts, and community leadership, we’re committed to supporting local schools, organizations, and families. Giving back has always been part of our mission, and we remain proud to invest in the community that has supported us from the very beginning.
At Evelyn’s Kitchen, we believe great food brings people together. A great time and a team they can trust keeps them coming back.