Our Story
In the summer of 2025, we sat down with neighbors, foodies, and friends in the industry not just to talk about food, but about feelings. What makes a place worth coming back to? What turns a meal into a memory? And what’s missing in our local dining scene?
The answers were honest and unfiltered. On the west side in particular, people wanted anything but another mass-produced, chain restaurant. They wanted something new and exciting: with cocktails that taste as good as they look, chef-driven dishes that didn’t require a special occasion (or a second mortgage), and portion sizes that any Michigander could appreciate.
In our conversations, we learned one simple yet powerful truth that, more than anything, people want to be treated like family.
Out of this belief, Kindred Table was born.
ABOUT
Chef Stephney has been in kitchens since 1997 at a family-owned deli, and she still believes the best food should feel a bit like a warm hug. Sundays spent cooking with family are the memories that inspire the dishes she creates today. Her path has taken her through steakhouses, catering, college dining, and executive chef roles, and she has a special love for sauces and soups that tell a story. At Kindred Table, she channels all that experience into shareable meals that spark conversation and make guests feel truly welcome at the family table.
Brian has spent twenty-eight years exploring how great food and drink come together. It all started with after-school cooking shows and growing up in Portland, Oregon’s gardens, markets, and wine bars. Helping guests find the perfect pairing is his favorite part of the job, and he lights up when curiosity turns into confidence. As Director of Food and Beverage, Brian leads with intention, making each detail count for the guest experience
Rebecca’s idea of hospitality began in her grandparents' kitchen, where southern warmth and generous plates made everyone feel at home. After twenty years in the industry, she leads with that same genuine, steady presence, focusing on details that help guests feel comfortable and cared for. Now a proud Michigander, she’s embraced the MSU community and helps make Kindred Table feel welcoming from the moment guests arrive.
Joe has spent three decades behind the bar, and he still believes hospitality comes down to one thing: make people feel cared for. Growing up around his mom’s catering work gave him an early appreciation for good food, great company, and saying yes to trying something new. He’s known for crafting Old Fashioned drinks from scratch, right down to the bitters, and for reading a guest’s needs before they ever have to ask.
We are hiring!
If you love good food, great people, and taking pride in your craft, we’ve got a seat at the table for you.