Jennifer Caraway’s journey in the restaurant industry began at the age of 14, where she
started as a dishwasher and steadily climbed the ranks, gaining experience in every role,
both front and back of the house. Her unwavering dedication led her to the remarkable
achievement of opening her first restaurant at the age of 26. From that pivotal moment,
Jennifer’s entrepreneurial spirit blossomed, and she went on to establish multiple
restaurants across the United States and even expanded her culinary ventures to Mexico.
In 2011, Jennifer’s life took a poignant turn as she witnessed her dear friend, Joy Seitz-Butts,
bravely battle ovarian cancer. In the face of this adversity, Jennifer made a solemn promise
to bring something positive out of her friend’s passing. She had been personally delivering
home-cooked meals to Joy during her illness, and this act of compassion not only
nourished their bodies but also kindled their spirits. This heartwarming experience inspired
Jennifer to create “The Joy Bus,” an organization dedicated to delivering meals and uplifting
encouragement to homebound cancer patients. Jennifer firmly believes that we all need a
purpose in life, and she discovered hers in this noble endeavor.

Jennifer’s extensive years in the restaurant industry became a vital preparation for her
transformative journey. Her selfless work with The Joy Bus received well-deserved
recognition, including accolades such as ‘Best Food for a Good Cause’ by Phx New Times,
‘Best of 2015 Movers and Shakers’ in PHX Magazine, and being honored as the ‘H.O.P.E.
Award Recipient’ by Mass General Cancer Center. Her remarkable achievements also
include being named the ‘ONE Annual Non Profits Director of the Year-Innovation Award,’
an ‘ATHENA Business Women of the Year,’ a published cookbook author, and even
earning the title of ‘Food Network Chopped Champion.’

Jennifer Caraway wears many hats as the Founder & CEO of both The Joy Bus and The Joy
Bus Diner. Her dedication is not confined to just philanthropy; she has ingeniously crafted
a hybrid organization that harmoniously blends commercial and non-profit aspects while
profoundly impacting the lives of those in need within her community. The Joy Bus Diner,
a popular breakfast and lunch destination, plays a dual role by financially supporting her
established non-profit, The Joy Bus program. This program is committed to providing
Medically Tailored Meals, meaningful conversations, and educational support free of
charge to homebound cancer patients, symbolizing Jennifer’s unwavering commitment to
her cause.

Jennifer Caraway is not simply an advocate for the Food is Medicine movement — she is a
determined catalyst for change. As the founder of the Food is Medicine Coalition–AZ, she
has worked relentlessly to advance access to Medically Tailored Meals for those most in
need. Through her leadership, strategic advocacy and unwavering commitment, Jennifer
continues to elevate this critical conversation and drive meaningful, lasting impact in the
community.

Jennifer’s journey from the restaurant industry to a philanthropic entrepreneur exemplifies
her dedication to making the world a better place through the transformative power of
food and compassion.