The Story Behind
Every Plate
A father's BBQ. A neighborhood full of hungry kids. A family's recipes passed down and made new — the story behind Metro Detroit's most beloved soul food catering company.
Christy Kennedy started cooking young. Both of her parents cooked, but it was her Dad who ran the grill — and everyone in the neighborhood loved his BBQ. He made every recipe his own. That's where it all started.
Watching him sparked something in Christy. She began experimenting, changing recipes, making them her own. She taught herself to make pizza from scratch and became the go-to for her children's birthday parties. Pretty soon, the neighborhood kids were showing up too. They called her Mama Christy — and nobody left hungry.
Her own children were the first to say it: "Mom, you should open a restaurant." She listened. She started making dinners, taking orders, and delivering them right to people's doors.
In 2012, she launched the Smokehouse Triple Stack — and Metro Detroit hasn't been the same since. Every dish is still rooted in the same family recipes. The same love. The same Mama Christy spirit that fed a whole neighborhood.
"You'll be tasting family recipes."— Christy Kennedy
Our Values
Cooked with Love
Every dish is made with intention. We don't rush soul food — it takes time, care, and a whole lot of heart.
Fresh Ingredients
We source locally where possible. Fresh produce, quality proteins, real butter. No shortcuts.
Family First
Kennedy Collection is family-owned and operated. When you hire us, you're bringing our family to yours.
Community Rooted
We give back to the Metro Detroit community through partnerships with local schools and nonprofits.
Meet the Team
Christy Kennedy
Born and raised in Metro Detroit, Christy grew up inspired by her Dad's legendary BBQ. She turned a passion for family recipes and neighborhood cooking into Kennedy Collection — launching the Smokehouse Triple Stack in 2012.
Derrick Kennedy
Derrick keeps everything running behind the scenes. From the technology that powers Kennedy Collection to the logistics that make every event go off without a hitch, he makes sure the team can focus on what they do best — cooking great food and taking care of people.
Anya Harris
Anya is always out in the community, building relationships and introducing new people to the Kennedy Collection experience. Whether it's a neighborhood event, a corporate office, or a first-time customer, she has a gift for making people feel like family before they've even had their first plate.
Be Part of Our Story
Let us bring the same love and tradition that's fed Metro Detroit for 15 years to your next event.