Arnold Wilkerson’s life took an unexpected yet incredibly fruitful turn when he transitioned from the bright lights of Broadway to the kitchens of Little Pie Company.
As a seasoned actor, Wilkerson had spent years captivating audiences with his performances on stage, but his career took a deliciously creative detour into the world of baking, where he would establish a bakery that has now been a beloved New York staple for over three decades.
In this interview, Wilkerson reflects on the theatrical lessons that shaped his approach to running a bakery and how he continues to infuse passion and creativity into his work after so many years.
From Stage to Stove: A Theatrical Approach to Business
When asked how his experience in theater influenced his approach to baking, Arnold Wilkerson draws clear parallels between the two worlds. “One essential thing they teach in acting school is technique,” he begins. “Sometimes, a stage actor may not truly feel the role they’re given to play. However, the audience must be convinced they’ve seen a great performance. Was it from the heart, or was it from a skilled technician who knew their craft?”
For Wilkerson, the technical discipline and commitment to excellence that acting requires are traits that easily transferred to running a business. He highlights the importance of professionalism—being on time, prepared, and giving one hundred percent to the task at hand. “Fortunately, these are lessons that apply to operating a company as well,” he explains. “We’ve been fortunate to assemble a team of gifted and talented people, including some who have been with us for nearly forty years.”
This sense of dedication is what has allowed Little Pie Company to remain not just a bakery but a symbol of consistency, quality, and passion in New York’s ever-evolving food scene.
Staying Creative After 30 Years in Business
Arnold Wilkerson has been running Little Pie Company for over three decades, yet his passion for baking hasn’t waned. When asked what keeps him inspired after all these years, he reflects on the environment that shaped him. “I come from a background that taught me the importance of being the best at whatever task I was given,” he says. “New York offered me the challenge to explore my imagination, to go forward with my sense of creativity and interest beyond theater.”
The late 1980s saw a culinary revolution in America, with chefs, bakers, and food entrepreneurs elevating familiar, comforting dishes to new heights. Wilkerson was inspired by this movement and found joy in reminding people of the simple pleasures of family-style desserts, like cobblers and pies made with fresh fruit. “Those basic dishes we enjoyed as children could be elevated to new heights,” he explains. “Sharing that experience never grows tiring.”
For Wilkerson, baking became another form of storytelling—one that invokes nostalgia and fosters a connection between past and present.
The Importance of Fresh, Handmade Ingredients
At the heart of Little Pie Company’s philosophy is the commitment to using fresh, high-quality ingredients. In an era where processed foods and automation are prevalent, Wilkerson believes in the power of handmade, artisanal baking. “We live in a time of processed foods and automation. That has its place in life, but when something is made fresh, by hand, the spirit of the person is felt,” he says. “That’s why we hand crimp our crust and use fresh fruit.”
This insistence on craftsmanship ensures that every pie tells its own story—a labor of love from the bakers who carefully prepare it. The handmade touch is what gives Little Pie Company its identity, a quality that Wilkerson and his team take great pride in maintaining.
A Fixture in the Community
For nearly four decades, Little Pie Company has been a cornerstone in its Manhattan neighborhood, not just as a business but as a community hub. Wilkerson has made it a priority to hire local young people, many of whom have grown within the company. “Forty years at the same location has allowed us to hire many of the neighborhood’s young people and help educate them,” he notes. “For many of them, it’s their first job.”
One of those early hires, Danny Garcia, who started as a young employee, is now vice president of Little Pie Company—a testament to the company’s nurturing environment. Additionally, Little Pie Company continues to be an active participant in the local theater district, maintaining its roots in the community that first inspired Wilkerson’s creative journey.
Ensuring Quality Across a Wide Variety of Pies
Consistency is key when it comes to maintaining the high quality of Little Pie Company’s beloved pies, which range from seasonal favorites to year-round classics. Wilkerson’s team works with a rotating menu to highlight regional pies that are true to their origins. “We have a seasonal menu and each month we feature regional pies served around the country,” he says. “For example, in the Summer, we have Fresh Georgia Peach pie, and we make Pumpkin pie during the Fall.”
By focusing on fresh, regional ingredients and a seasonal menu, Wilkerson ensures that each pie is made with care and attention to detail.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs and Bakers
Wilkerson’s journey from Broadway to baking has been marked by hard work, passion, and dedication, but his advice for aspiring entrepreneurs is grounded in practicality. “When you select the type of business you want to go into, make sure there is a market for it,” he advises. “Know your skill set and work with someone who will be as dedicated as you are. Make sure you are prepared to go forward with absolute tunnel vision toward your goal.”
With this simple yet powerful advice, Wilkerson encourages the next generation of bakers and business owners to remain focused, passionate, and disciplined—traits that have certainly served him well in his own remarkable career.
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