Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Blaco.
Hi Stephanie, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My Story
Honestly, my story starts in a place I never thought I’d be. I spent over 20 years of my life in and out of prison, and my last time behind the walls, I did 12 straight years. During that time, I had to really look at who I was and who I wanted to become. Cooking became my peace. It gave me purpose when I didn’t have much else.
When I came home, my father believed in me — he saw something in me that I was still trying to see in myself. He purchased a restaurant for me, Mixing Bowl off SW Blvd in Kansas City Missouri, and in December 2020, I became a restaurant owner. That was a huge moment. I had my brick-and-mortar for two years, but due to structural damage in the building, I couldn’t renew the lease.
Still, I wasn’t ready to give up. I kept catering, kept cooking, and found another way to keep my dream alive. I bought an old-school hot dog cart, revamped it, and turned it into Mixing Bowl on the Go. I took that cart all over Kansas City — setting up wherever I could, serving breakfast, and connecting with people through food. It reminded me that success isn’t about how fancy things look, it’s about the heart you put behind it.
Then, in September 2025, I took another big step. I purchased a beautiful food trailer and decided it was time for a fresh start — a new name that represented my energy, my grind, and how far I’ve come. That’s how Grill N Grind KC was born. Now I cater and take the trailer all over Kansas City, bringing good food, good vibes, and real community wherever I go.
This journey has been about more than just cooking — it’s about redemption, faith, and proving that no matter where you’ve been, you can build something real and meaningful when you lead with love and purpose. Every plate I serve is a reminder of how far I’ve come, and how grateful I am to still be here, doing what I love.
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?
Has it been a smooth road?
No, it definitely hasn’t been a smooth road — but every bump taught me something. Coming home after spending so many years in and out of prison was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. I had to start over from the ground up. I didn’t have credit, I didn’t have connections, and a lot of people didn’t believe in me at first.
When I opened my restaurant, I faced challenges most people never see — equipment breaking down, trying to learn the business side while still being in the kitchen every day, and then losing the building because of structural damage after I finally got it going. That was tough. It felt like starting over again.
But I’ve learned to see struggle as part of the process. Every setback pushed me to find a new way — whether it was buying that old hot dog cart, building Mixing Bowl on the Go, or upgrading to my new food trailer, Grill N Grind KC. None of it came easy, but it made me stronger, more resourceful, and more grateful.
The truth is, my road’s been full of challenges — but every challenge built my character, my faith, and my drive. I wouldn’t trade that for anything, because it made me who I am today.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Grill N Grind KC?
What Should We Know
What I want people to know is that my brand isn’t just about food — it’s about people, purpose, and second chances. Through Mixing Bowl Catering and Grill N Grind KC, I specialize in creating meals that feel like home. Whether it’s a full catering event or breakfast served out of the trailer, everything I do comes from the heart.
I’m known for my flavor — real, homemade, soulful food that reminds you of family gatherings. But I’m also known for the experience. When you eat with us, it’s not just a meal — it’s love, energy, and connection. We bring good food and good vibes everywhere we go.
What sets me apart is that everything I’ve built came from struggle and faith. I’ve been through things that could have broken me, but instead they shaped me. My business represents resilience — proving that your past doesn’t define your future. I hire people who need a chance, I feed those who are going through hard times, and I always try to give back to the community that supports me.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud that people feel my passion in every plate. Grill N Grind KC isn’t just a name — it’s a lifestyle. It’s about the grind, the hustle, and the heart it takes to keep going.
I want readers to know that when you support my business, you’re not just supporting a food trailer or a catering company — you’re supporting a movement built on hope, hard work, and community. Every bite tells a story, and I’m proud that mine started with a dream, a second chance, and a grill.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
How People Can Work With or Support Me
The best way to work with me is to connect — I love collaborating with people who believe in community and good food. I cater all types of events, from weddings and corporate functions to school lunches, fundraisers, and neighborhood gatherings. Grill N Grind KC also hits the streets of Kansas City with our food trailer, so I’m always open to pop-ups, festivals, or partnerships with local businesses and organizations.
People can support by booking us for catering, inviting the trailer out to events, or even just spreading the word and sharing our story. Every share, every customer, every partnership helps us grow and keep giving back.
I’m also passionate about working with programs that support second chances — people who are rebuilding their lives like I did. So, if anyone out there wants to partner on community projects, mentorship, or outreach, I’m all in.
At the end of the day, it’s not just about food — it’s about people coming together. Whether it’s through a meal, an event, or a shared mission, I’m always open to working with those who want to make a difference alongside me
Contact Info:
- Website: www.grillngrindkc.com and www.mixingbowlkc.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/mixingbowlonthego and www.instagram.com/grillngrindkc
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/mixingbowlonthego and https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579703982835#
