Meet Christa Lynch

Today we’d like to introduce you to Christa Lynch.

Hi Christa, 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?
My culinary career began while supporting myself through college working in the restaurant industry; I always respected that food brings the community together

After graduating from undergrad and my graduate programs, I began working in the corporate sector but always maintained my passion for innovative cuisine and hospitality. Getting a solid foundation under famous chefs like Daniel Boulud and David Burke, I enrolled decided to enroll in the Institute of Culinary Education.

Shortly after, I was offered the coveted role as Sous Chef at Google in NYC before forming Brooklyn Braised in 2017.

Today, Brooklyn Braised creates elevated comfort food that builds a stronger ecosystem through minority and women-owned vendor partnerships.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
This has definitely NOT been a smooth road. Brooklyn Braised started out as a meal prep and delivery business in 2017, after 9 months I ended that concept and simply started catering full time because the costs of running that type of business with food quality that I wanted to give clients was exorbitantly expensive. In 2018 I was pregnant and going through a divorce while trying to hold on to my business. Believe it or not– I found my footing during the height of the pandemic.

In 2020, we found our niche, Brooklyn Braised gives back to our community. I hire formerly incarcerated people, and partner with shelters and hunger-relief organizations to help feed those in need.

In 4.5 years, I’ve had to learn how to manage a team, not expect people to know my expectations, pay taxes OR deal with the consequences, learn the necessity of managing food costs, and control the narrative of my story and my business.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I love the Brooklyn Braised commitment to sustainability, food education, and creating a pipeline for this in need to access a greater life.

In terms of our catering work, my favorite part of the process is menu writing for clients– I get to flex my creativity through 3-5 courses.

I have been honored by Forbes as part of the Next1000, Serena Williams & Bumble as a Woman of Courage, and Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams as a Covid-19 Hero.

Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Creating opportunities for employment in my community, because this one of the ways in which I give back.

Contact Info:

• Email: events@brooklynbraised.com
• Website: https://www.brooklynbraised.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bkbraised/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BKBraised/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/brooklyn-braised-brooklyn

Image Credits:
Troy Mattison