Today we’d like to introduce you to David Hayes.
Hi David, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve always loved food that tells a story — the kind that brings people together and feels like home. I grew up in St. Louis, where big family meals and bold flavors were part of everyday life. Cooking started as something I did for my family and friends, but over time it became my creative outlet and my passion.
HayMa’s Home Kitchen began in 2022 as a small idea that quickly grew into something much bigger. The name “HayMa’s” comes from a blend of my last name and my stepkids’ — a symbol of our blended family and the love that goes into everything we make. What started as simple meal prep for friends has turned into a full family-operated business serving the Irving community with scratch-made meals and catering.
Our focus is on comfort food crafted with care — the kind that reminds you of Sunday dinners, but made with professional quality and a personal touch. From our famous breakfast burritos to our rotating weekly menus and catering spreads, every dish comes from the same place: our home kitchen and our hearts.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Starting and growing HayMa’s hasn’t been easy. Balancing a full-time job while building a food business takes discipline, long hours, and a lot of learning on the fly. From pricing and sourcing to packaging and scheduling, there’s been a constant learning curve — but every challenge has shaped us into something stronger.
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that consistency builds trust. Every week, we show up, cook from scratch, and deliver the same quality people count on. Each time a customer says our food made their day easier or reminded them of home, it reminds me why the work is worth it.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
HayMa’s Home Kitchen is a family-run meal prep and catering business built on a simple promise — scratch cuisine, crafted with care. We specialize in creating wholesome, home-style meals that bring people together and make everyday dining feel special again.
Each week, we offer rotating menus featuring balanced comfort food — from hearty burrito bowls and grilled chicken dinners to fresh salads and breakfast favorites. Our catering side focuses on small gatherings, office lunches, and community events, where we can share that same homemade flavor with a wider crowd.
What sets HayMa’s apart is the personal touch behind every dish. It’s not just food; it’s a reflection of our family values, creativity, and commitment to quality. We take pride in consistency, presentation, and flavors that remind people of home.
Our goal is simple — to serve meals that make life easier, gatherings more memorable, and food something people look forward to again. At HayMa’s, every bite is crafted with care, inspired by family, and shared with love.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I pull inspiration from a mix of creative and practical places. Picture Perfect Food by Joanie Simon has been a big help in improving how I present and photograph our dishes. It reminds me that food isn’t just about taste — it’s also about telling a story visually.
On the business side, I follow podcasts like The Restaurant Strategy Podcast and Smart Passive Income — both help me think about marketing, customer relationships, and how to grow HayMa’s in a sustainable way.
For everyday organization, I lean on apps like Canva for design, Square for business management, and Notes for ideas that hit me in the middle of the day.
At the end of the day, though, my biggest inspiration still comes from music — a mix of 80s hits, country, and a little Taylor Swift when I’m cooking. It sets the mood and keeps the creativity flowing.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://haymashomekitch.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haymaskitch
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/haymaskitch
- Other: https://g.page/r/CbFYkK464tziEBM/review
Image Credits
Photo courtesy of HayMa’s Home Kitchen
