Meet Our Co-Founder and Head Chef: Hanan Deeb

Behind every meal at Mama’s Catering Kitchen is our co-founder and head chef, Hanan Deeb—the “Mama” in Mama’s Catering Kitchen. Her warmth, care, and passion for children inspire everything we do, from the meals we prepare to the values we uphold.

Cooking has always been one of Hanan’s favorite hobbies. She loves experimenting in the kitchen, creating dishes that bring comfort and joy to the people she cares about. But what makes her story unique is that she also spent more than a decade as a preschool teacher. During those years in the classroom, she gained a deep understanding of how young children eat—their habits, challenges, and the role nutrition plays in helping them grow strong and focused.

When the idea for Mama’s Catering Kitchen was born, it felt like the perfect way to bring together both sides of her life: her passion for food and her dedication to nurturing children. For Hanan, cooking for little ones isn’t just about filling plates—it’s about creating meals that are thoughtful, balanced, and a little bit adventurous, too. Each menu is carefully designed to introduce children to a variety of flavors and textures, helping them build confidence with food while enjoying a wholesome, satisfying lunch.

Of course, Hanan’s work is about more than planning menus—it’s about the joy she finds in watching children discover new foods and enjoy mealtime together. As she says, “When a child tries something new and realizes they love it, that moment is priceless.”

To get to know her better, here are a few fun questions we asked Chef Hanan:

Q: What inspired you to start Mama’s Catering Kitchen? 

A: I’ve always loved cooking, and after many years in the classroom, I saw a real opportunity to connect my passion for food with my experience working with children. Starting Mama’s Catering Kitchen felt like the perfect way to support families and schools while doing something I truly love.

Q: How does your teaching background shape the way you plan meals? 

A: It helps me think about food from a child’s perspective. I know that variety, texture, and presentation all play a role in whether a child feels comfortable trying something new. My teaching experience also reminds me how important balanced nutrition is for their growth and focus throughout the day.

Q: What’s your favorite part of this work? 

A: Seeing children enjoy the meals we prepare—and knowing we’re helping them build positive, lifelong habits around food.

Q: Any advice for parents at home?

A: Keep introducing variety, even if it takes a few tries. Children often surprise us with what they’ll enjoy when they feel no pressure and have the chance to explore at their own pace.

With Hanan leading the kitchen, every meal we serve carries a little bit of her heart. Mama’s Catering Kitchen isn’t just about lunch—it’s about fostering healthy habits, happy experiences, and a lifelong love of food.