There’s something special about fall in Iowa—the crisp breeze, the golden leaves, and the kind of food that feels like a warm hug from someone you love. This season on the Black. Girl. Iowa. podcast, we’re celebrating those who turn passion into purpose, and this week’s guest, Chef Christine Johnson of Joppa Experience, does exactly that.
Christine’s story isn’t just about food—it’s about faith. It’s about taking risks, following your gut, and knowing when it’s time to pour into yourself after spending so long pouring into others. Her journey from Chicago to Des Moines is filled with moments of courage, hard choices, and ultimately, a deep commitment to her craft and her community.
“Everything I gave to Chicago Public Schools, I realized I could give to myself… So I took a chance on me.”
From Chicago to Des Moines: A Leap of Faith Fueled by Love
Christine was living and working in Chicago when COVID-19 reshaped everything. As a school food service worker, she was considered essential—but that meant leaving her young children home while she worked to feed others.
When her brother, Rob Johnson (now an Iowa State Representative), offered to care for the kids while working remotely in Des Moines, Christine sent them for what she thought would be a short stay. But her kids quickly made a plea: “Mom, Uncle Rob can’t cook. Come down here and feed us.”
And she did. With her grill, supplies, and determination in tow, Christine drove to Des Moines, cooked for her family, and unknowingly launched what would become the Joppa Experience.
“People started saying, ‘We don’t have food like this down here.’ They were missing the taste of home—and that’s when it clicked.”
Starting from Scratch—and Showing Up Every Day
With $5,000 in savings, Christine relocated to Iowa permanently in August 2020. No job. No plan. Just faith.
She began by serving food out of a local barbershop, Platinum Kutz on 23rd Street, feeding barbers and clients with home-cooked meals. Her hustle turned into a weekly demand—folks asking, “Is the girl with the food coming today?” And from there, her name spread like wildfire.
“Rob walked me to the door, but I kicked it off the hinges. He introduced me to folks, but I showed up—and my food did the rest.”
Christine’s pop-up business gained momentum, catering community events like BeWell Longshots, Sista Soul Fest, and I’ll Make Me a World in Iowa. Her food became the centerpiece of celebration, culture, and comfort.
The Legacy of Center Street—and the Soul of Black Iowa
This episode also pays tribute to Des Moines’ historic Center Street District, a once-thriving Black business corridor that was lost to the construction of Interstate 235. Christine’s work is a continuation of that legacy—Black entrepreneurship rooted in excellence, resilience, and service.
From the Burke Café to Sampson’s Chicken Shack, Black-owned restaurants have long been anchors of culture and connection in Des Moines. Christine is carrying that tradition forward with every plate she serves.
“This episode is dedicated to the entrepreneurs who crawled so others could walk. You paved the way for people like Chef Joppa.”
A Culinary Gift Passed Down Through Generations
Christine’s love for food is in her blood. Her grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-aunt all ran a tavern with a restaurant in Chicago long before Christine was born. Her mother and Auntie Barbara were the family’s designated cooks—and Christine took the reins at age 12 when her mom stopped cooking.
“I didn’t even realize what I was doing. Cooking has always come naturally to me—it’s a gift God placed in my hands.”
After years of feeding family, friends, and co-workers, Christine formalized her passion by attending Washburne Culinary Institute. When her mother passed away early in the program, she pushed through with one goal: finish in her mother’s honor.
“Culinary school didn’t teach me how to cook. It taught me how to run a business. That was the missing piece.”
What’s on the Menu at Joppa Experience?
Chef Joppa’s menu is a soulful fusion of Chicago favorites and down-home comfort:
- Braised Oxtails in a seasoned gravy
- Cajun Fish with jerk spices
- Italian Beef Sandwiches
- Lemon Pepper Wings
- Turkey Tips (a Chicago staple reimagined for those who don’t eat pork or beef)
“People try to tell me turkey is dry—until they taste mine. I let my food speak for itself.”
Coming soon: the $5 Holla Menu, featuring chicken rings, onion rings, pizza puffs, and more throwback Chicago treats.
If you’re a first-timer, Christine recommends the Oxtail Sampler—braised oxtails served over seasoned white rice with tender veggies, and just the right amount of flavor in every bite.
From Pop-Up to Brick & Mortar
After a short-lived storefront at Merle Hay Mall, Christine transitioned to pop-ups to stay relevant and visible while working behind the scenes on something bigger. Her new building on 6th Avenue has been in the works for almost two years—and will finally open in July 2025.
“I’ve been paying rent on that building this whole time. But I stayed on the grind. I stayed faithful. And now the vision is becoming real.”
The initial launch will be carry-out only, with plans to expand into full dine-in service in 2025.
Winning the Pitch—and the Power of Community Support
In March 2024, Christine won $10,000 at the Vitality 2.0 Pitch Competition, hosted by 24/7 Black. It was her first-ever pitch, and she had no PowerPoint—just heart, food, and her story.
She brought her kids on stage to serve food. Played Closer to My Dreams by Goapele. And had the judges dancing in their chairs as they tasted her food.
“This is what Joppa Experience is. You walk in, and it feels like home.”
Standing in Her Purpose
Christine’s story is about more than oxtails and lemon pepper wings. It’s about rediscovering herself, healing generational wounds, and showing her children that it’s never too late to believe in yourself.
“This journey taught me how to be a woman and a mother. I’m not here to be put in a box. I’m standing 10 toes down in who I am.”
She’s not just feeding people—she’s feeding dreams. And she’s doing it all while staying grounded in faith, community, and legacy.
Final Thoughts
This episode left me full—not just from the food (though I will be first in line when she reopens), but from the reminder that Black women’s stories are powerful, nuanced, and necessary. Christine Johnson is a living testament to what happens when we choose to bet on ourselves.
So if you ever wondered what soul food tastes like when it’s made with vision and purpose—follow the smell. Follow the music. Follow the joy.
You’ll find it at Joppa Experience.
🎧 Listen to Episode 21: “Soul Food with Vision and Purpose” on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Pandora, Amazon Music, and YouTube.
🛍️ Merch available at the Etsy shop: BlackGirlIowaShop
📍Follow Chef Christine and the Joppa Experience on Instagram for pop-up times and location updates.
📖 Read more stories like this and explore the full blog archive at www.blackgirliowa.com
Black. Girl. Iowa. 