From Starting Over to Starting Krewemates: My FOX 13 Unscripted Story

If you had told me a few years ago that I'd be standing in the FOX 13 studio talking about a business I built from my own kitchen, I'm not sure I would have believed you.

How Krewemates Started

Before Krewemates, I spent years working in software before becoming a stay-at-home mom. As my family's needs changed, I found myself at a crossroads. I knew I needed to return to work, but I also wanted to build something that reflected who I had become—not who I had been.

Cooking had always been how I cared for the people around me. Family dinners, meals for friends, recipes shared around the table. Over time, I realized that same instinct could help other busy families too. That's how Krewemates was born.

What started as preparing meals for a few people quickly grew through word of mouth, repeat customers, and a community that believed in what I was creating. I didn't set out to build "just another meal prep company." I wanted to create chef-crafted meals that felt homemade, used quality ingredients, and gave people one less thing to worry about during a busy week.

Every week has brought new lessons—learning recipes at scale, figuring out systems, growing from a handful of orders to serving families, professionals, catering events, private dinners, and now local businesses throughout Tampa Bay. It's been equal parts exciting, challenging, and rewarding.

What FOX 13 Meant

That journey led to one of the biggest milestones yet: being invited to share Krewemates on FOX 13 Tampa Bay's Unscripted.

Walking into the studio, I was nervous—but mostly grateful. Grateful for the chance to share not just our meals, but the story behind them: taking a leap of faith, trusting the process, and building something one step at a time. It was a chance to represent the small business community here in Tampa.

Looking back, I'm reminded that businesses aren't built in one big moment. They're built through hundreds of small ones:

Early mornings in the kitchen.

Late nights planning menus.

Listening to customer feedback.

Trying new ideas.

Making mistakes.

Celebrating little wins.

Showing up again the next day.

That's what Krewemates has been from the beginning.

What's Next

Our mission remains the same: creating delicious, chef-crafted meals that make life a little easier. Whether you're ordering a week's worth of meal prep, picking up a family dinner, joining one of our pickup hubs, or hiring us to cater a special event, every order truly means something.

Being featured on FOX 13 was an exciting milestone, but the real reward is earning a place at your table each week. This is just the beginning—and to everyone who has ordered a meal, recommended us to a friend, or simply encouraged me along the way: thank you. You helped make moments like this possible.

If you haven't had a chance to watch the FOX 13 feature yet, I'd love for you to take a look!

Watch the FOX 13 Unscripted segment and see Krewemates in action, you can view it here: Krewemates FOX 13 Unscripted

With gratitude,

Dana Kern

Founder & Chef, Krewemates

Watch the FOX 13 Unscripted segment and see Krewemates in action, you can view it here: Krewemates FOX 13 Unscripted