Christina Maldonado is a perfect fit to match the rich history of Lancaster’s Central Market; she has transformed her career by taking the plunge into the world of food and hasn’t looked back since.
Nine years later, Christina is a beloved vendor in the market. She not only creates delicious food from the heart, she makes each customers experience special and accessible. Christina has seamlessly taken on the role of representing the Hispanic community and her childhood cuisine within Lancaster city.
Her work / partnership with Srirupa Dasgupta of Upohar has even earned her a spot in a New York Times Article (“A Global Feast in an Unlikely Spot: Lancaster, PA”).
Christina’s background and energy lends itself well to the Lancaster food scene, and it is no surprise that she has continued to develop her business with support from the community. Her work ethic and passion for personal growth is inspiring and is something that should be celebrated in the community that has supported her journey so far.
Question 1: Starting with the basics, what is your background and the business’s background? How did you end up where you are now?
“Back in 2008, I was working for Pfizer in Lititz. I was a warehouse specialist in the distribution center where I operated forklifts to load and unload trailers. I was going on 10 years. It was a fun, great paying job with health benefits, 401k and many other savings and job benefits, “the whole nine.” Another pharmaceutical company, Johnson & Johnson was buying out Pfizer so that prompted a possible layoff. The word got out that the number of people to get laid off was going to be high – but in waves. I literally had 100 people under me as it went by seniority, so I was already planning my exit just in case. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to continue the route of working in a manufacturing facility (even though I actually enjoyed and exceled at my job) and start over elsewhere or try something different.
While looking at the newspaper, I saw an ad for the Culinary Arts program at YTI-Lancaster. It appealed to me. I figured, since I knew how to cook, being taught at the young age of nine or ten (very normal in a Hispanic household) that it would be fun to learn how to cook all kinds of food, so I took a tour of the facility. While roaming the halls and looking through the windows of the kitchen classes, I remember watching a female chef teaching her class and literally said to the admission lady “I want to be her ” (pointing at the chef instructor) . I loved seeing a female in that position in a male dominated industry. I watched how the students, young and older, looked at her while paying close attention and what also seemed in admiration. I wanted that, I wanted to be THAT chick! I applied that day, eventually took an admissions test and enrolled in the program. I took a voluntary furlough from Pfizer and left in June 2008. I started the 2 year program at YTI in August 2008 and graduated in 2010 (with honors I may add) with an Associates degree in Culinary arts and Restaurant Management.
While in school, I learned right away that I wanted to work for myself. The reality was, I’m in my 30’s and working your way up in restaurants trying to become an experienced chef, all while making little money for a very physically and mentally challenging job was NOT the plan I had for myself. I quickly realized that I wanted full control of what I cooked, not work crazy evening hours and definitely not having to work a breakfast shift, so I knew catering was my calling. I always attended weddings or events and (mentally) critiqued the food. I’ve said (to myself) “Geez, I can make better food than this.” or “Here we go again, typical wedding food.” I also noticed that at any Puerto Rican wedding or event that I attended, it was usual for family members to cook as well as provide table settings. I wanted to be the start of a change. I wanted to become the first professional full service caterer (at least in Lancaster) that offered GOOD Puerto Rican food and front of the house service-specifically for the Hispanic community. I mean, there were restaurants that catered pans of food, but not offer full service and food wasn’t really up to par. I knew that my hands cooked like “grandma” and that my food would be thoroughly enjoyed.
After graduating from YTI in May 2010, I was given the idea to come in one or two days a week to sell food in the student lounge. There were only vending machines and sometimes the school would have different vendors come so students had more options for lunch. I knew Puerto Rican food was a hit so I took that opportunity and did that. I was working FT at a restaurant and on my days off I would go to YTI and sell about 2-3 meal options and the big hit, empanadas. I was able to use a kitchen (not in use of course) to fry my empanadas fresh. All other food was already prepared at my commissary kitchen I rented space from. From there, some students AND faculty members began to ask if I could cook for their wedding, baby shower, birthday party, etc. Word of mouth also got me gigs from random people, so much so I was able to quit my restaurant job and start my small business full force. I participated in many events as a food vendor selling Puerto Rican food for about 2 years on top of small catering gigs here and there with a few weddings under my belt. I paid friends to set up tables and serve for me and began my small catering business. One day at an outdoor market, a customer came to me and asked if I would be interested in becoming a vendor at The Lancaster Central Market, that my food would do well there. After pondering it for a while, I realized, this would be my brick and mortar and would hopefully bring in more catering clientele given how many people walk through the market. I decided to apply and was approved. I opened my stand in April of 2013 and I was correct, it has definitely brought me more catering clientele.”
Question 2: The Central Market has a lot of history behind it and is recognized as one of the major landmarks of Downtown Lancaster. How does it feel to be a part of the story of Central Market? Do you feel like your business residing within the market gives you a better opportunity to connect with the community?
“Applying to become a vendor was the best business decision I’ve made for sure! The Lancaster Central Market IS a staple in the community and can definitely build your small business especially when you have a good product. I remember saying to myself “How can some of these businesses stay here for so long?” We have vendors here for 15, 20, 30 plus years! That’s a long time. I never thought I would even be at the market for as long as I have. April of 2024 will make nine years already – it goes by so fast! When I tell people I have a stand at the Lancaster Central Market, most responses are “Wow, that’s awesome!” And when tourists come and visit, I can never hear enough about how excited people are to see a Puerto Rican food stand, especially the New Yorkers! I love it!! I have many local customers that literally come to market “just for my food” Now that is AMAZING to hear!
And I also have two bilingual market employees now which is such a blessing as I do get a few non English speaking Hispanics that light up when they can communicate their orders easily or don’t feel embarrassed or hesitant to actually stop and order.”
Question 3: Can you talk more about your experience as a woman in business / female entrepreneur?
“I’m VERY PROUD of being a woman owned business AND a minority owned business for sure. I’ve had nothing but good experiences. I’ve worked hard to earn the title of “chef and owner” . I started this small business by myself with a dream and a credit card. I accomplished what I set out to do with NO HELP financially or even having any business mentors. I didn’t realize back in 2010 how many organizations and programs there were for small business so I literally built my business solo. Being a woman in business came naturally for me without me realizing it.
I didn’t really have a goal after highschool, I just knew I wanted to work and make money. I didn’t think about college, and yet at 33 years old I just decided to go to culinary school because of a layoff scare. I always think back now. I learned how to cook at a young age, I would go and stay every summer in Puerto Rico with my grandparents and help my abuelita pick gandules (pigeon peas) or make pasteles (meat pies) AND help her with her little business of selling ice cream, candy, snack and drinks from a “food trailer” to getting older and loving to cook at parties or get togethers in my home AND always critiquing food?I guess it was meant for me to have my own business right?!”
Question 4: What are the most important things you would like the community to know about you or your business?
“I have an incredible work ethic. I work HARD and I basically do everything on my own. I have two wonderful market stand employees but I handle all the other aspects of this business on my own and there are days when I want to “quit” because of physical and mental exhaustion. But even through that, I cook with heart & passion. I’m very proud to share my native cuisine and my sole purpose is for people to really enjoy my food and feel COMFORT. I want people to feel like they are in Puerto Rico. I want people to feel like they are eating grandma’s food, because there is nothing like it!! GOOD food feeds the soul, for sure!”
Question 5: Do you have a favorite female owned business (or multiple) you would like to shout out or that you admire?
“One being my sister in law Janell Almodovar, owner of “JAlmodovar” local designer of handbags and many things! She’s an amazing talent who’s killing it!
Sri Dasgupta, founder of “Upohar World Kitchen”
Question 6: Finally, is there anything else you would like to add or share with me or the community?
“Just wanted to clarify that my primary business is catering but I no longer offer full service catering. I’ve streamline my business since/after COVID. Two reasons: It was difficult to rehire or find employees and I needed to make it easier for me physically and not stress as much as I do work solo.
I now am a vendor partner with Upohar World kitchen- a full service catering business. They offer many ethnic food options and source the food from local small businesses. I provide them with Puerto Rican, Jamaican, Cuban and Southern/Soul food. I also offer online ordering of pans of food for pick up only. And of course, my stand at The Lancaster Central Market where I just offer Puerto Rican fare.”
Please find Christina on social media below for your catering needs, or check out her storefront in the Central Market!
Femme Foodie - Lancaster, PA 
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