Smoothie Shack to Community Hub: Kristina’s Kitchen and WSFS Grow Together

Community is a constant thread in Kristina and Sean Malone’s life. As entrepreneurs, business owners, and founders of a nonprofit, a focus on serving the people around them has led to a thriving business in Kristina’s Kitchen and holiday magic with their nonprofit Santa’s Letters. Along the way, WSFS served as their banking backbone supporting everyday needs, strategic pivots, and real estate expansion.

“WSFS doesn’t just hold our accounts; they’ve been with us at every step of the way,” said Sean. “We couldn’t do it without them.”

Creating a Nutritious, Delicious, and Ambitious Idea

Kristina’s journey goes back more than a decade to when she had a wellness and yoga business with a small smoothie shack operating out of it. Seeing a need for nutrition as part of overall wellness, she focused on foods that were both delicious and nutritious for her customers. That passion evolved into a full-blown business idea, and she and Sean turned to their friends at WSFS for support.

The duo set up shop in 2020 just as the pandemic was unfolding. Fortunately, their business model centered around grab-and-go counters and fast-casual dining. It’s a system that she says allowed the business to thrive during a tough year for many.

“We just got so busy, so, so fast. And we outgrew our space within the first six months,” said Kristina.

Enter innovation on wheels. In 2021, with the support of WSFS, they purchased a food truck named Fiona. It allowed them to take their grab-and-go concept on the road, reaching more than 25 businesses around the community. As their footprint grew, so did the demand for their baked goods, sandwiches, and dietary inclusive menu options: something Kristina says sets them apart.

“We have a lot of gluten-free and vegan options for customers, and we’ve seen the demand for it continue to rise,” said Kristina of the menu.

As business surged, Kristina and Sean set their sights on a space that could scale with them. They went from a small place they rented to owning their own building, and they haven’t stopped growing. Currently, they are looking to expand the business’ parking lot to accommodate the influx of customers.

The experience to fund these expansions, they say, has always been personal and hands-on.

“I’ve never gone in there and they tell me, ‘no.’ It was always, ‘Yes, what do you need? Let’s see what we can do,’” said Sean. “They have grabbed our hand, walked us through and been there every step of the way.”

Much like WSFS’ mission of service, the couple’s mindset extends beyond the storefront. During their early days of operation, they dropped off meals for people who didn’t have access to the grocery store. Those deliveries forged lasting bonds and reinforced the café’s role as a community staple.

Spreading Holiday Magic

The couple’s biggest impact, that stretches far beyond their community, began years before Kristina’s Kitchen when Sean was working as a mailman. He noticed letters addressed to Santa were going unanswered and unopened and made it his personal mission to answer these. Sean and Kristina bought a red mailbox to put outside their home, creating a place for children to drop off these letters in person.

As the story of Santa’s Letters spread, they noticed requests for essentials that needed to be answered: a toothbrush, a warm jacket, and a pillow. Together, they put out calls for help online, and people answered. As needs grew, so did the community support, leading them to turn it into a full 501(c)(3).

Today, the organization runs community power with more than 150 volunteers, at least 3,000 letters written, and more than 500 kids helped last year alone. Through the years, one story, in particular, stays with them.

“We received a letter from a girl that asked Santa to help her stop getting bullied. Santa Claus came to her house to talk to her and delivered a necklace,” said Sean. “The following year, we got another letter from her thanking Santa and saw she put her own $20 in the envelope as a donation.”

A Community-Focused Mindset

As Sean and Kristina stay focused on expanding their business and support their community, they continue to turn to WSFS for all their banking needs – even calling them “a friend.”

“Kristina and Sean embody what relationship banking is all about: hard work, community focus and mindset of service. Our role is to match that energy with responsive financing, expert advice, and a team of trusted advisors that can equip them to reach their goals. We’re proud to champion the businesses that are the backbone of our communities,” said Megan Allen, VP, Business Banking Relationship Manager.

With more than a decade of experience running a business, Kristina and Sean say the key to success is knowing the people they serve.

“Do your research. Know what is needed in the community and get out there and meet them,” said Sean. “Above all, find out what it is you’re passionate about, focus on it, and stay consistent.”

Heading into a busy season for both the business and non-profit, their focus remains on the community, and in turn, the community is giving back to Santa’s Letters. Kristina’s Kitchen is offering a buy one, get one half off on gift certificates during Thanksgiving weekend. Bethany Blues is hosting a Dine and Donate where 15% of the check will support Santa’s Letters, December 4^th at Bethany Beach and December 9^th at Lewes, both from 4–9 p.m.

WSFS’ team of trusted advisors can help you grow your business. Connect with one of our Associates to talk about financing, cash flow, and growth strategies.

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