On Love, Community, and Where We Stand

I've been writing this in my head for weeks, and I'm finally putting it down with a heavy, broken heart.

I started Twisted Roots because I believe in the power of gathering around a table. I believe that food—real, scratch-made, lovingly prepared food—has the ability to create community, to bridge divides, to remind us of our shared humanity.

But community means nothing if it doesn't include everyone. And love means nothing if it's conditional.

So I need to be clear about something: Twisted Roots stands firmly, unequivocally, with immigrants. With our LGBTQIA+ neighbors. With women and anyone who needs access to reproductive healthcare. With every person whose dignity and humanity is being threatened right now.

I cannot and will not support this current administration, ICE, or the MAGA movement. I cannot be silent while people I care about—people in our community, people who might be reading this right now—are being targeted, dehumanized, and harmed.

I know this is a business page. But food is inherently political. So many of the foods we love, the recipes we cherish, the flavors that comfort us—they exist because of immigration and cultural exchange. Throughout my entire career in the restaurant industry, I've had the privilege of working alongside incredible, hardworking immigrants. They didn't just teach me techniques—they invited me into their culinary traditions, shared recipes from their own tables, their own families. The food I make today, the skills I have, the care I put into every dish—so much of that comes from the generosity and knowledge they gave me. I have immense respect for every single one of them, and I will not stand by while they're treated as anything less than the vital, valued members of our community that they are.

This business was founded on the belief that everyone deserves a seat at the table. That everyone deserves to be fed, to be seen, to be safe. I meant that then, and I mean it even more fiercely now.

I know not everyone reading this will agree with me. I know I will lose customers because of this post. And while that saddens me, I understand. If our values don't align on these fundamental issues of human dignity and care, then we can part ways, and I'll wish you nothing but the best. But I cannot compromise on this. Some things matter more than business.

If you're scared right now, please know: you belong here. If you're grieving, I'm grieving with you. If you're fighting, I see you. And if you're struggling—truly struggling—please reach out. I will do everything I can to help. That's a promise.

This kitchen, this table, this community—it's for all of us. And I will keep showing up with food and with love, because that's what we do. We feed people. We take care of each other. We don't give up.

With love and solidarity, Kate