About Us

Crusader Kitchen was founded by Vinny LaPuma, a proud 2001 graduate of Cathedral Prep School & Seminary and a graduate of Queens College, where he earned his bachelor's degree.

While Vinny is an entrepreneur and the owner of a successful insurance agency approaching its 20th year in business, his passion for food and cooking has been a lifelong part of his story.

Much of that passion comes from his mother, Giovanna, who has spent more than 25 years working in commercial kitchens. Growing up around her cooking, Vinny developed a deep appreciation for fresh ingredients, quality preparation, and the belief that a great meal should bring both nourishment and enjoyment.

Where It All Began

In 2021, Vinny returned to his alma mater, taking over the cafeteria operations at Cathedral Prep School & Seminary. What began as an opportunity to serve the school community gradually developed into something much bigger.

Through daily interactions with students, faculty, and staff, Vinny recognized a growing demand for healthier, more balanced meal options that didn't sacrifice flavor or convenience.

That need became even more personal in 2025, when Vinny began his own health and fitness journey. As he became increasingly focused on nutrition, exercise, and making better food choices, he experienced firsthand how challenging it could be to maintain a healthy diet while balancing the demands of work, family, and everyday life.

He began to envision a meal-preparation service that could make healthy eating easier and more accessible—not only for students and staff, but for the surrounding community as well.

A Kitchen Built on Collaboration

Rather than developing the concept alone, Vinny brought the idea directly to the students of Cathedral Prep.

Through conversations and collaboration, students expressed an interest in helping create a healthier meal program that could serve their classmates, teachers, families, and the general public.

Today, students are contributing to the development of Crusader Kitchen, assisting with website design, meal assembly, and other aspects of bringing the brand to life.

What started as an idea within the school cafeteria has grown into a meal-preparation service serving teachers, staff, and customers beyond the Cathedral Prep community.

This collaborative approach reflects one of Crusader Kitchen's core beliefs: When young people are given opportunities to participate, contribute, and create, they can become part of something truly meaningful.

Why Crusader Kitchen?

The name Crusader Kitchen is a tribute to Cathedral Prep School & Seminary, its proud traditions, and the community that helped inspire the business.

Every meal is prepared and packaged at Cathedral Prep, connecting the brand directly to the school and its legacy.

For Vinny, the name represents more than a business. It reflects gratitude for the institution that helped shape him and a desire to create something that benefits the next generation of students.

Giving Back Is Part of Our Mission

At Crusader Kitchen, giving back isn't an afterthought. It's built into our business.

For every meal sold, $1.00 is donated back to Cathedral Prep School & Seminary to support student tuition assistance.

Every order helps provide nutritious, thoughtfully prepared food while contributing to an important cause: making a Cathedral Prep education more accessible to students and families.

It's our way of ensuring that the success of Crusader Kitchen directly benefits the community that helped make it possible.

More Than Meal Prep

Crusader Kitchen brings together a lifelong passion for cooking, a personal commitment to healthier living, and a desire to make a positive impact.

Our goal is simple: to provide fresh, flavorful, balanced meals that make healthy eating convenient, enjoyable, and sustainable.

Whether you're an athlete, a busy professional, a parent, a student, or simply someone looking to make better food choices, we're here to help you reach your goals.

From our kitchen to your table, every meal has a purpose.

Crusader Kitchen — Fuel Your Purpose.