January 2025 archive

Yo Mama’s Brings Big Flavor to a Bigger Space

By Chanda Temple

It’s 1 p.m. on the afternoon of Jan. 4, and Denise Peterson is wearing a T-shirt that says, “Imma Overcomer.”

It’s a meaningful mantra for a woman who is moving Yo Mama’s, a 10-year-old restaurant she runs with her daughter, Crystal, into a new and larger space in downtown Birmingham.

Crystal Peterson, left, and Denise Peterson are a daughter-mother duo who started Yo Mama's in Birmingham, AL in November 2014. (Photo by Chanda Temple)
Crystal Peterson, left, and Denise Peterson are a daughter-mother duo who started Yo Mama’s in Birmingham, AL in November 2014. (Photo by Chanda Temple)

Walking through the new 5,500-plus foot space, which is a huge shift from the 1,300 square foot original location, Denise admits that one thing she had to overcome was the fear of growth.

“You can get content in where you are and end up staying there, but not be where God wants you to be because of fear,” said Denise, 68. “So, I had to overcome that part of it to say, ‘OK, we can make this happen.’ ”

Come Jan. 6, she and Crystal will be ready to make big things happen as they serve their popular chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits, fish sandwiches, wings, burgers, chicken sandwiches and tacos in their new location at 2024 Fourth Ave. North. They will be open Monday – Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

“In this environment, there can be a lot of things that can come against you, but when you make it through it, you overcome it,” said Denise, a Birmingham native. “If it doesn’t take you down, then you are all right.”

The chicken and waffles at Yo Mama's has received high praise through the years. In 2024, Southern Living said it was one of the top 35 restaurants to visit in Birmingham, AL.
The chicken and waffles at Yo Mama’s has received high praise through the years. In 2024, Southern Living said it was one of the top 35 restaurants to visit in Birmingham, AL. (Photo by Chanda Temple)

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Faith, Fearlessness & Frosting: The Rise of K&J’s Elegant Pastries in Birmingham, AL

By Chanda Temple 

For six years, Kristal Bryant was overlooked for promotions at a chain restaurant, where she worked as a five-star line cook.

She was skilled in handling all of the food stations and even worked double shifts to cover for others. When the company asked her to help open locations in other cities, she answered the call. But every time she inquired about a promotion, she was told, “We’ll get you in,” when the next door opens.

But that “next door” never came.

Kristal’s husband, Jonathan, saw how hard Kristal worked without advancement. So, he pushed her toward her passion: Step out on faith and do your side cake business, full time.

K&J's Elegant Pastries in Birmingham's City Walk area has 120 different cupcake flavors, but has a select set of flavors on the menu every day. (Photo source: Kristal Bryant)
K&J’s Elegant Pastries in Birmingham’s City Walk area has 120 different cupcake flavors, but has a select set of flavors on the menu every day. (Photo source: Kristal Bryant)

Those words stopped Kristal cold. The year was 2010, and she was a 27-year-old mother of two small girls. Even though Jonathan had a good job with the railroad, she wondered if she’d be able to make a living out of baking cakes and contribute to the household. 

Still, with faith and determination, Kristal took the leap. It wasn’t easy. There were challenges, doubts and even tears. But over time, her fears gave way to confidence.

Today, Kristal’s leap of faith has paid off in ways she never imagined. Her downtown Birmingham business, K&J’s Elegant Pastries & Creamery, is a place where repeat customers, high-profile corporations, celebrities and professional athletes make orders. She’s baked cakes for Nicki Minaj, Chris Brown, Da Brat, and Slutty Vegan CEO Pinky Cole, appeared on Good Morning America and the Food Network, and does monthly cooking segments on Birmingham’s WBRC.

Through it all, one of her guiding principles has been the Bible verse: “Faith without works is dead.’’ 

“I have the faith, and as long as I put in the work, this will be successful,” Kristal said. “And that’s one of the things that’s always kept me, sane, even running the business now.” 

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