A grandmother's cast-iron skillet. A handwritten recipe book. A dream that became Metro Detroit's most beloved soul food catering company.
Christy Mae Johnson grew up watching her grandmother cook for the whole neighborhood. Not just the family — the whole neighborhood.
Every Sunday, there'd be cast iron on every burner, the windows fogged from collard greens simmering since dawn, and a steady stream of neighbors who somehow always ended up at the table. Nobody was turned away. Everyone left full.
Christy inherited both the recipes and the philosophy. After two decades working in corporate Metro Detroit, she walked away from her desk job in 2009 with one goal: to feed people the way her grandmother fed her — with love so deep you can taste it.
She started small. Sunday plates out of her home kitchen, posted on Facebook. By Tuesday, they were gone. By the following Sunday, the line was down the block.
That neighborhood kitchen became Kennedy Collection. The cast-iron skillet never changed. Neither did the recipe book.
"I don't cook for the money. I cook because this is what I was put here to do. When I see someone take that first bite and close their eyes — that's why."— Christy Mae Johnson
Christy in the kitchen, 2009
The signature chicken
Grandma's recipe book
Every dish is made with intention. We don't rush soul food — it takes time, care, and a whole lot of heart.
We source locally where possible. Fresh produce, quality proteins, real butter. No shortcuts.
Kennedy Collection is family-owned and operated. When you hire us, you're bringing our family to yours.
We give back to the Metro Detroit community through partnerships with local schools and nonprofits.
Christy starts selling plates from her home kitchen every Sunday. Word spreads fast.
First major catering contract: a church fundraiser for 200 guests. They've called every year since.
Kennedy Collection officially incorporated. DeShawn joins full-time to handle operations.
Catered first major Metro Detroit corporate event — 400 guests. Standing ovation from the crowd.
Pivoted during COVID to community meal programs, feeding 1,000+ families in need.
Named 'Metro Detroit's Best Caterer' by Detroit Magazine. Booked solid 18 months out.
Still cooking, still growing, still family. Every plate made with the same love as the first.
Born and raised in South Metro Detroit, Christy learned to cook from her grandmother at age 7. After 20 years in corporate America, she followed her true calling in 2009.
Kennedy Collection husband and business partner. DeShawn handles logistics, staffing, and event coordination so the food can always be the star.
Kennedy Collection daughter, Aaliyah joined the team after culinary school and now runs the entire dessert program — including that legendary sweet potato pie.
Let us bring the same love and tradition that's fed Metro Detroit for 15 years to your next event.