Local Chef Rodney Worth Gives Back to His Patrons and Those in Need

Restaurateur and Executive Chef Rodney Worth is truly a locally minded entrepreneur. In addition to his passion for delicious, in-season and locally sourced ingredients for his three local restaurants, he shows his appreciation to patrons and believes in giving back to the community.

Worth and his staff will host their annual "Customer Appreciation Party" at The Peasant and the Pear on Hartz Avenue on  Nov. 8, to thank loyal patrons, and to benefit the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano Counties.

"We work hard all year making great food for our patrons," he said. "But we know a lot of people go hungry in Contra Costa County."

Worth and his staff will treat patrons to complimentary entertainment, drinks and appetizers. The only admission charge is canned items or nonperishable dry goods for the food bank. Cash and check donations will be accepted.

A truck from the food bank will be there with collection barrels and Boy Scouts will help the collection effort as a part of their "Scouting for Food" drive.

Last year, the food drive contributed $2,250 and 1,090 pounds of food to the food bank.

"Unemployment is still high and people are hurting," Worth said. "We know our customers will be as generous as they are every year."

In addition to the Peasant and the Pear in Danville, Worth opened two more restaurants in the last two years, The Peasant's Courtyard in Alamo and The Little Pear in Blackhawk Plaza.

A few years ago, my first impression of The Peasant and the Pear was one of grateful surprise when my husband and I brought our not quite 2-year-old son out to dinner with us.

Anyone who dines regularly in the excellent and upscale restaurants of Danville knows that small children at the dinner hour are not always welcome.

To my amazement that evening, Chef Worth brought out a dish of grapes for my son while we were waiting for our food to arrive—they were even sliced in half!

After that thoughtful detail, followed by a delectable meal reasonably priced by Danville standards, our regard for Worth and his restaurant was solidified and we visit regularly, with and without the kids.

The appreciation is mutual.

The Customer Appreciation Party will be held at the Peasant and the Pear,  at 267 Hartz Ave., on Nov. 8 from 5 to 9 p.m.