Dine and Discover Queens: Catanya Gilliam Owner and CEO of Nana’s Love
It’s “Dine and Discover Queens” time! “Dine and Discover Queens” is a monthly spotlight on some of the best food and drink options from around the borough! This month, we are featuring Catanya Gilliam, Owner and Visionary of Nana’s Love, a catering business serving the Queens community. To learn more, go to https://www.nanaslovecatering.com/.
What inspired the creation of your restaurant, and how did you get your start?
Nana’s Love was inspired by my grandmother, “Nana,” whose kitchen was the heart of our
family. Food was how she showed love, built connections, and brought people together. I
started Nana’s Love by blending family recipes with my own creativity, beginning with small catering orders and community events, and growing it into a full-service catering and
empanada brand rooted in culture, love, and legacy. Each person that taste our food gets to
experience a piece of Nana’s Love- faith, family, and a full belly.
Can you share a bit about your restaurant journey in Queens?
Nana’s Love began in 2019, just before the pandemic, as a simple hobby—cooking meals and empanadas for coworkers. With strong encouragement and support, it quickly grew into a catering business rooted in culture, faith, and community in Queens. During COVID-19, we used the shutdown to prepare for long-term success by securing certifications, licenses, and food safety compliance, ensuring we were ready to operate professionally when the city reopened.
As restrictions lifted, Nana’s Love began vending at farmers’ markets, festivals, church gatherings, and local events across Queens. These grassroots opportunities helped us introduce our signature empanadas and expand our presence in the community. As the business grew, we then pursued certifications, including MWBE, ACDBE, DOE vendor approval, and SAM.gov registration.
We’re especially proud to have catered events for Terminal One and the JFK Redevelopment Center.
Are there dishes or drinks that have become beloved by the Queens community, or anything on your menu you would like to highlight?
Nana’s Love is best known for our signature empanadas and handcrafted sauces, Adrienne’s Creamy Cilantro and Emma’s Spicy Mayo, which have truly become favorites within the Queens community. Each empanada reflects our commitment to bold flavor, quality ingredients, and cultural fusion. Our top three best-sellers are the Shrimp & Potato, aka “Nana’s Favorite,” Catanya’s Chicken & Potato, and our Maryjane’s Maryland Lump Crab Meat Lobster empanadas.
