Today we’d like to introduce you to Chef Chrystina Casado

Hi Chef Chrystina, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?

Brunch At Zion’s started as a deeply personal journey, rooted in love, resilience, and the healing power of food. My biggest inspiration is my son, Zion. He truly saved my life—if it weren’t for him, I would have never discovered I had cancer during my pregnancy. That experience opened my eyes to the importance of health and wellness, which ultimately inspired me to create Brunch At Zion’s and our non-profit, Dine with Dignity. We provide farm-to-table, organic meals to underserved communities, especially those dealing with health challenges like high blood pressure and diabetes. Our goal is to teach people how to prepare clean, nutritious meals that support overall wellness. Today, Brunch At Zion’s is more than just a food company—it’s a celebration of love, unity, and community through food, with my son Zion as the heart and inspiration behind everything we do.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?

It hasn’t been a smooth road, but every challenge has shaped the mission behind Brunch At Zion’s and Dine with Dignity. One of the toughest moments in my life was being diagnosed with cancer during my pregnancy with my son, Zion. If it wasn’t for him, I would have never known about the cancer. That experience not only changed my perspective on life but also highlighted how critical health, food, and wellness are to survival. On top of that, I faced the fear of almost losing my apartment, which made me even more determined to create something that would support and uplift others going through difficult times.

Starting Brunch At Zion’s and Dine with Dignity wasn’t easy. There were financial hurdles, balancing motherhood with running a business, and overcoming the emotional and physical strain from my past health battles. But these struggles also fueled my passion to provide others with the tools they need to nourish themselves and their families. It’s been a journey of resilience, but each setback has led to something greater—helping people live healthier, more fulfilling lives through food and community.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?

At Brunch At Zion’s, we specialize in farm-to-table, organic, and locally sourced meals that promote health, wellness, and community. Through our non-profit initiative, Dine with Dignity, we focus on serving underserved communities—particularly those dealing with chronic health issues like diabetes, hypertension, and homelessness. We teach people how to prepare nutritious, sustainable meals that are easy to make but packed with health benefits.

What I’m most proud of is the impact we’ve made on people’s lives. As an artist first, a chef second, and always a mom, food to me is more than just nourishment—it’s art, and it’s healing. When I cook, I’m creating something that not only nourishes the body but also feeds the soul. That’s what sets us apart at Brunch At Zion’s. We’re not just serving meals; we’re offering a deeper connection through the food we create and the education we provide.

My son, Zion, is at the heart of everything we do, and his story continues to inspire our mission. Our focus on creating meaningful connections, healing through food, and empowering people to take charge of their health makes us unique.

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?

The most important quality that has contributed to my success is resilience. My journey with Dine with Dignity started after the loss of my son, Dominic Chrystopher, Zion’s older brother, in 2013. After his passing, I left the hospital with no baby and couldn’t get the help I needed while healing from my cesarean. My job wouldn’t let me return until I was cleared by my doctor, and I couldn’t get assistance because I didn’t have a child.

That experience taught me the power of perseverance and compassion, which became the foundation of everything I do. Resilience has helped me turn pain into purpose and build a company that uplifts others through food, community, and healing. My personal journey allows me to empathize with those who are struggling, and I’m committed to helping people overcome hardships and reclaim their health and well-being.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.brunchatzions.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ChefChrystina/
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/Brunchatzions/

Image Credits

Paula Muniz at Bluu.beauty studio

Anna Silva photography

The bear Maiden photography

Flow genius photography

Indigo blue 1976 independent photographer