Inside Val’s Comfort Kitchen, patrons from all walks of life find a welcoming atmosphere. From lone diners with downcast eyes to weary employees of nearby businesses, each seeks comfort from the menu’s offerings. The dining room hums with a crescendo of voices, intermingling with chinking dishes and swooshing doors. Hovering, rich scents of stewed tomatoes, fried chicken, and meatloaf greet all who enter. Valerie Braxton, the owner, gracefully moves through the busy diner, offering warm smiles and genuine greetings. Each plate from the kitchen nourishes both body and spirit. It’s a revolving door of hope. 

Change: After 11 1/2 years with the city of Lynchburg, Braxton turned her part-time catering business, Lasting Impressions Catering Services LLC, into a full-time venture by opening her sit-down restaurant, Val’s Comfort Kitchen. When COVID-19 hit, her business surprisingly thrived, prompting her to search for a new location. The Plaza at Midtown wasn’t her first choice. 

“My initial answer was, ‘I’m not going over there — it’s dead.’ Then I remembered God resurrects dead stuff, and here we are!” Braxton shared. 

The recipe for success: Stick-to-your-ribs comfort food is only part of Braxton’s recipe for success. Faith, customer service, and a personal, caring touch undergird every aspect of her life’s work. 

Braxton said, “I’m a stickler for good customer service from the time our guests enter our doors until they leave. Some people come in with the weight of the world on their shoulders, and some have very little hope. By the time they leave — between my staff and me — we make sure our guests know we’re happy to serve them and appreciate their business. The hopeless leave with just a little bit of hope, and our mission is complete. It’s my purpose to visit every table, executing excellent customer service while leaving a lasting impression.” 

And there’s a healing flavor, too. 

“I have witnessed healing through the consumption of our delicious food, especially with those who are in the hospital and can’t seem to keep food down. Our food has been taken to the hospital by the family members, and the report is that they were able to eat and keep it down. God did that. Food is just the tool He chose to use,” Braxton stated. 

Braxton still operates the catering business and believes she has an extra partner in her business models. 

“My businesses are God-centered. My faith in Him has kept me grounded and focused. There have been times when I’ve wanted to throw in the towel. However, I have to remind myself that it’s not about me. It is about carrying out the assignment that He has given me. When I have to make decisions for the business, I have to pray about everything and wait for direction, which is not always easy. My faith in God has sustained me, and He has been a provider for everything I need.” 

Stirring the pot: Braxton faces the challenges that accompany being self-employed head-on. It was no different when she had serious foot surgery this past July. 

“This was very scary because I was so used to running my business and always being there. God definitely works in mysterious ways. I had no idea what I was going to do,” she recalled. “God sent a young lady who was waiting for college. She stepped right in to help, and I was able to train her for about a month before my surgery. Also, one of my cooks was able to run the kitchen while I was out. I taught her my recipes so she could keep it going. This was huge for me, and they both did great, along with several other employees. I’m grateful for them all.” 

Two weeks after surgery, Braxton returned to the diner, operating business from a scooter until her surgeon released her to walk again. 

“This was very challenging for me. I had to keep my doors open and could no longer be in charge. This was my first lesson of relinquishing control and trusting others to handle the business,” she said. 

Serving up community: In addition to personally interacting with each customer, Braxton watches out for people in the area without homes. During last winter’s worst weather, she opened her heart and kitchen doors to those in need. 

“My faith led me to prepare soup, grilled cheese, and hot chocolate for the less fortunate during frigid temperatures last winter. Whenever anyone enters our doors, and they are hungry with no money, we feed them with no questions asked. I understand it could be me, my family, or my friends,” she said. 

Her outreach efforts inspired others. 

“We received numerous donations to purchase more ingredients so we could continue to feed people for several days,” Braxton said. “We also received hats, gloves, and scarves. McDonald’s partnered with us and provided coupons for free items from their menu. It was a huge success, and all involved were blessed.” 

Passing down the secret recipe: Braxton has faced multiple challenges in her personal and professional life, but her focus is steadfast. She knows others can find success following their dreams as well. The key is choosing what defines you and your success. 

“I’d like to leave a legacy to the young men and women coming up behind me. I want them to know that they can achieve whatever they put their minds to do. They can have whatever they want. With all of the challenges I’ve faced, I have every right to throw in the towel. But one thing about me: I’ve never allowed my circumstances to outweigh my potential. Although I came from a single-parent, low-income home, I’ve never allowed it to define who I am as a person. I am not a product of my environment,” Braxton declared. 

Braxton creates an environment that inspires and encourages at Val’s Comfort Kitchen, serving hope alongside meats, sides, and sweets. It’s a never-throw-in-the-towel recipe for her success and the success of her community. GN