At Juniper Kitchen, a division of Darioush Inc., we specialize in school-exclusive catering services, delivering over two decades of expertise in creating and managing healthy lunch programs for educational institutions. With our foundation in international training and professional food service management, we have evolved from restaurant and event catering into a company solely dedicated to providing nutrition solutions for schools.
Our leadership team is backed by advanced credentials in restaurant management from internationally recognized institutions, including the American College in Barcelona and the Heidelberg Hotel Management School in Germany. Drawing from experience within the European slow food tradition, we prioritize freshly prepared, nutritionally balanced meals over processed or reheated alternatives, ensuring students receive food that supports both health and learning.
Experienced Team: Our core managers and chefs have been with us for over 20 years, bringing unmatched consistency and institutional knowledge.
Parent-Centered Staff: Many of our team members are parents, aligning professional expertise with a deep understanding of children’s needs.
Quality Standards: Every menu we create meets rigorous standards for nutrition, taste, and presentation, tailored to meet institutional expectations.
Community Engagement: For more than 35 years, we have partnered with nonprofit organizations, managing menu planning and food service for community events serving over 3,000 participants.
We believe that nutrition is the foundation of academic success. Our service model is built on three guiding principles:
Balanced Nutrition – We provide daily access to fresh, wholesome meals that meet children’s energy and growth needs.
Culinary Diversity – We offer healthy versions of American favorites alongside globally inspired dishes, helping students expand their palates and appreciation for food.
Sustainability – We actively support recycling, organic gardening, and conservation initiatives in schools, reinforcing the connection between healthy eating and environmental responsibility.
By eliminating unhealthy alternatives, we ensure that every menu option is both appealing and beneficial, making school dining an opportunity to instill lifelong healthy eating habits.
With a proven track record, an experienced leadership team, and a singular focus on school meal programs, we deliver a comprehensive, turnkey lunch solution. Our goal is to ensure that every program not only meets nutritional requirements but also supports the broader objectives of student health, academic readiness, and community well-being.