The Heart Behind The Kitchen
Meet Stephanie Jensen and Stacy Kostanyan, the driving force behind The Kitchen on Union Street in Old Town Pasadena. For more than two decades, their shared vision, hands-on leadership, and genuine love for hospitality have shaped The Kitchen into a local favorite rooted in warmth, consistency, and care.
A Friendship Years in the Making
Long before opening the doors to The Kitchen, Stephanie and Stacy built a friendship that would define their journey. Both raised in Iowa — Stephanie in Hampton and Stacy in Cedar Rapids — they bonded over a shared love of food, especially pizza. Their paths crossed at the University of Iowa and later at Vito’s Bar & Grill, where their partnership naturally took shape.
From Shared Experience to Shared Table
The Kitchen was born from years of working side-by-side in the restaurant world and a passion for creating meaningful guest connections. Their focus on Italian cuisine reflects the recipes and experiences they love most — simple, comforting dishes made to be enjoyed together. What started as a shared dream continues today as a place where food, community, and authenticity come together.
