Ketapanen Kitchen is an Indigenous-owned pop-up kitchen and catering company founded by Menominee chef Jessica Walks First. Based in the Chicago area along historic Route 66, the business operates without a permanent restaurant, instead hosting rotating pop-ups, cultural dinners and catered events across museums, community venues and cultural institutions. This mobile model allows the kitchen to bring Indigenous cuisine directly into diverse community spaces while pairing meals with education and storytelling.

The kitchen focuses on both traditional and contemporary Indigenous dishes, highlighting ingredients such as wild rice, berries and bison, while emphasizing health-conscious cooking and community engagement.

MISSION & CULTURAL VISION

The name “Ketapanen” means “love” in the Menominee language, reflecting the philosophy that food nurtures community, culture and connection. The mission is to bring Indigenous cuisine to the forefront of Chicago’s culinary scene while educating audiences about Native food traditions and contributions to modern diets.

Beyond cooking, the business also promotes food sovereignty, supports Native-owned suppliers and works to increase access to traditional foods for Indigenous communities living in urban areas.

POP-UPS & DINING EXPERIENCES

Ketapanen Kitchen hosts rotating pop-up events throughout the state. These may include Indigenous tasting menus, community dinners and themed cultural gatherings. Past examples include:

• Indigenous pop-up dinners featuring seasonal menus

• Cultural immersion dinner series with storytelling and games

• “FoodBall” pop-ups with Indigenous comfort foods

• Museum-hosted tastings and culinary presentations

• Native American Heritage Month pop-up activations

These events often combine food with cultural education, sometimes including speakers, drummers or storytelling to deepen the experience.

CATERING & COMMUNITY EVENTS

The kitchen provides catering for a variety of gatherings, including:

• Cultural celebrations

• Museum programs

• University events

• Film screenings and receptions

• Community fundraisers

• Private gatherings

For example, the kitchen has catered receptions at the Chicago Cultural Center and collaborative programs with cultural organizations and educational institutions.

COLLABORATIONS & EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS

Ketapanen Kitchen regularly partners with cultural organizations such as museums, theaters and Indigenous community groups. Through these collaborations, the kitchen supports educational initiatives and promotes Indigenous foodways.

Chef Walks First has also developed initiatives centered on Indigenous food education and access, emphasizing both cultural knowledge and community connection.

Hours of Operation

No fixed hours.

Operates at:

• Pop-up events

• Markets

• Catering bookings

• Community events

Service Area

Wheaton, IL · Saint Charles, IL · Chicago, IL · Stickney, IL