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Behind the Counter with the Food CzarAuthor: Heidi Blum
Behind the Counter with the Food Czar explores the stories of people who create community through their work and passion. Each episode features conversations with restaurant owners, influencers, charity leaders, and others making an impact in their neighborhoods.From building businesses to giving back, guests share their personal journeys, challenges, and successes. Whether youre an entrepreneur, a community supporter, or just someone who loves hearing inspiring stories, this podcast offers meaningful conversations about connection, resilience, and the power of people coming together. Language: en Genres: Society & Culture Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Episode 71 - From Jersey to the Islands: The Sisters Behind Shaka Kitchen
Tuesday, 31 March, 2026
Send us Fan MailThis episode dives into the inspiring, sun-soaked story of Kiersten and Krista Gormeley, the sisters behind Shaka Kitchen in Hoboken and Morristown. Raised in Wyckoff, New Jersey, the Gormeley sisters didn’t follow a traditional path. School wasn’t where they thrived — but curiosity, grit, and a shared desire for something more always were.Kiersten, the older sister, felt an early pull toward the culinary world and an even stronger itch to get out of New Jersey. That restlessness led the sisters to Hawaii, where they lived for six transformative months. What they found there wasn’t just beautiful food — it was a simpler, cleaner way of life rooted in community, intention, and joy. The people, the vibe, and the flavors deeply shaped their palates and their perspective, sparking the idea to build something together.In 2016, with passion but zero restaurant experience, they opened the first Shaka Kitchen in Hoboken. They didn’t know the front end from the back end — and day one was such a wild success that they literally had to close for a few days just to regroup. Instead of backing down, they leaned in, learned fast, and powered through, creating something truly special.Shaka Kitchen became more than a restaurant — it became a movement, channeling the Hawaiian way of life that brought the sisters peace, clarity, and purpose. Along the way, Kiersten validated her culinary chops by becoming a Food Network Chopped Champion, while both sisters continued growing the brand with heart and authenticity.Now, as they enter a new chapter — building families while building their future — Kiersten and Krista know one thing for sure: they want to keep sharing the Shaka spirit and bringing that sense of joy, nourishment, and connection to more people, in whatever form comes next.This is a story about trusting your gut, betting on each other, and building a life — and a business — that actually feels good.Follow Shaka Kitchen @shakakitchenRecorded at Shaka Kitchen Morristown NJThank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to follow, leave a review and share it with a friend. And you can follow me @heidiblum_foodczar on instagram for more behind-the-scenes content, updates and more.Got feedback or a question, I'd love to hear from you!
