About Karen’s Kitchen: A Lifetime of Cooking
Karen and Carolina Country Cookin
Karen has spent her whole life cooking, helping her family prepare meals from a young age. When she was growing up, times were tough for her family, so she had to learn about sacrifice and making do with what she had.
When she was 21 she started preparing all of her family meals – serving her extended family for the holidays. These gatherings often involved up to 100 people and while some folks might have found it a chore – Karen discovered she loved to cook and see people enjoying good food. Karen says that “cooking good food just came natural.”
In 2006 Karen opened her restaurant, Carolina Country Cookin with help from her husband John. John and Karen got their first food truck in 2009 and ran both the kitchen and the food truck together. The food truck side of the business took off, and in 2012 they purchased their second truck.
A new Chapter: Karen’s Kitchen
In 2013 the couple decided to close the doors of their brick and mortar establishment and focus on their food truck and catering business. The name of this new venture was Karen’s Kitchen.
Over the past 10 years Karen’s Kitchen has served thousands of meals, from Columbia into Charlotte and everywhere in between. Today, the team consists of Karen and John, in addition to 3 professional caterers.
Karen’s Kitchen Gives Back
For Karen, giving back to the community has always been important. She donates annually to charities including the Salvation Army and the Children’s Coat and Shoe Drive. She is an active Rotarian and donates meals to law enforcement and health care professionals. She has brought food to Columbia’s homeless, and has offered free Thanksgiving dinners to those who couldn’t afford it.
Ultimately, soul food is bringing comfort and joy to humanity, and Karen’s Kitchen is dedicated to providing that.
Contact Us
Questions? Get in touch with us today!