Feeding folks since 1989
(and we’re just getting started)
Serving friends and families made-from-scratch meals across the tri-state area with warm hospitality and recipes passed down through generations.
It all started in a walkout basement…
In 1989, Kathy Neisen cashed out her retirement from Kroger and did what any determined Midwestern woman with a lifetime of food knowledge would do: she built a commercial kitchen in her basement and started feeding people.
What began as “Pastries Plus” quickly grew into a full-blown catering business, fueled by Kathy’s culinary skills, farming background, and love for feeding her community. Over the years, her daughter Niki helped here and there – until 2020, when life (and a pandemic) had other plans…
Niki, furloughed from her healthcare job, called up Kathy with an idea:
Niki: “Mom! I’ve been furloughed. Not sure how long I am out of work.”
Kathy: “Niki, I know! This is just awful. All my catering jobs have been cancelled for the forseeable future. Not sure what I am going to do.”
Niki: “Hear me out— let’s make frozen meals for people during this time of need.”
Kathy: “Oh, Niki, no one is going to buy them, but you can try!”
What started as solution during uncertain times became a freezer meal movement that was grounded in community, connection, and homemade flavor.
Niki took over the business in 2022 and rebranded it as Boki’s Kitchen – a blend of co-owners Bob and Niki’s names. Today, Boki’s serves up feel-good food that brings people together, one gathering, freezer, or dessert at a time.
Or keep scrolling to read more about Boki’s Kitchen…
The hands behind the meals
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Niki Nichols
HEAD CHEF, CEO, FOUNDER, & AUTHOR
After a decade working in healthcare, Niki returned to her roots (literally) to carry on the family business her mom started in a walkout basement back in 1989. You read the story above, right??? 👀
Now, with over 30 years of kitchen experience under her belt and more sausage gravy reps than she can count, Niki pours her heart into every meal she serves. Whether it’s a freezer restock or a 200+ guest catering gig, she’s all in.
Her mission is to make people feel fed, loved, and connected – without anyone needing to wash a single dish.
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Bob Nichols
CHEF, CO-OWNER, GRILL MASTER
By day, Bob’s a full-time welder. By night (and weekend), he’s firing up the grill, perfecting sauces, and helping turn Boki’s catering events into unforgettable experiences. He’s been cooking since he was 8 years old and hasn’t stopped learning (or frying chicken) since.
With over 30 years of food service and a decade in grocery management, Bob brings a grounded no-fuss approach to flavor and hospitality. He’s the reason our Alfredo sauce tastes the way it does. And yes, he really did create the recipe himself.
Our favorite meals 💚
AKA what we’d serve if you showed up hungry and unannounced…
Go on, you know you wanna!
Hosting something special? We’ve got the food part handled.
Whether you’re planning a big celebration or just want someone else to do the cooking, our catering service brings the same warmth and flavor as our freezer meals… just with more sides and fewer dishes for you.