Meet Stephanie Jensen and Stacy Kostanyan, the heart and soul behind The Kitchen, located on Union St. in Old Pasadena for two decades. With a bond that predates even the restaurant's history, their friendship has been the cornerstone of their success. Both from Iowa—Stephanie from Hampton and Stacy from Cedar Rapids—the duo's favorite childhood dish was unanimously pizza. Their journey intertwined at the University of Iowa and Vito's Bar & Grill, where they became great friends.
The Kitchen's inception was a natural progression after years of joint restaurant experience, driven by a passion for public service and genuine customer connections. As for their culinary focus on Italian cuisine, it was a result of their rich experiences and desire to share beloved recipes.
