Life is full of unexpected twists and turns, and for Christoffer and Brenda Pineda, their journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. For 18 years, they’ve shared not only their love for one another but a passion for building something meaningful, together. Their story begins in their home country of Honduras, where they first met and began their adventure as a couple. From humble beginnings to taking bold leaps of faith, their lives have been a testament to hard work, dedication, and unwavering belief in their dreams.
Before becoming successful entrepreneurs, Chris and Brenda’s story took them on an unexpected path. In pursuit of new opportunities, they both took a chance and began working in a cruise line. Chris worked in the restaurant department, while Brenda joined the housekeeping crew. It was an exciting chapter in their lives as they traveled the world together, gaining experiences that would shape their future. They worked aboard the cruise line for 10 years, saving and planning for the next big step in their lives.
In 2012, life threw another curveball. Chris and Brenda welcomed twin babies, Kristel and Joao, into their growing family. With two little ones to care for, they made the decision to leave the cruise line and start fresh in the United States. They took on jobs similar to what they had done before, but with a new focus on building a stable life for their children. They continued to work hard, and Chris never gave up on his dream of one day opening his own restaurant.
As time passed, Chris’s passion for cooking grew stronger. He dreamed of sharing his love for Central American cuisine and culture with a broader audience. It was in 2020, during one of the most uncertain times in recent history, that Chris and Brenda took another huge leap of faith. With a baby girl on the way, they decided to invest everything they had into opening Pineda Market. Taking out a loan and using all their savings, they opened the doors to their very own local Hispanic market. Little did they know, this leap would come at the height of the global pandemic.
Opening a business in 2020 was a risky move. Many businesses were closing their doors as uncertainty spread across the globe. But thanks to the unwavering support of their local community, Pineda Market thrived. They offered a variety of products, from Mexican and Central American delicacies to fresh produce, meat, and even convenience items. The market also offers additional services such as money transfers, cashing checks, and Amazon pick-up. With determination, perseverance, and the support of their neighbors, Chris and Brenda’s dream started to come to life.
Five years later, in 2024, Chris’s dream of opening his own restaurant finally came true. It took two decades of hard work, planning, and faith, but Las Brasas, Chris’s restaurant, opened its doors just steps away from Pineda Market. The restaurant, which specializes in traditional flavors from Honduras and beyond, is a true reflection of Chris’s passion for food and his roots. It’s not just a restaurant; it’s a celebration of culture, family, and the hard work that got them to this point.
The Pineda family’s journey is a remarkable story of trusting God’s timing, taking leaps of faith, and never giving up on dreams—even when the odds seem stacked against you. From their humble beginnings in Honduras to creating a thriving business in the United States, their story is an inspiration to anyone with a dream and the courage to chase it. Today, Pineda Market and Las Brasas stand as symbols of perseverance, community, and the power of taking risks.
As they continue to serve their community with great food, products, and services, the Pineda family remains grounded in their values of faith, hard work, and gratitude. Their story isn’t just about business success; it’s about creating a legacy for their children and inspiring others to follow their dreams—no matter how uncertain the journey may seem.
Thank you for being part of the Pineda Market story. We can’t wait to continue serving you and sharing the flavors of our culture with the world.
Ribbon Cutting Event with Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce
As a business that's felt an overwhelming amount of support, it is so important to us to give back our community. Causes like this that are truly impactful mean so much to us. This year, Pineda Market was a proud sponser to the Bake Sale hosted by The Joplin Interfaith Coalition to support Nicole Watson with her amazing non-profit organization, Medical Loan Closet of Joplin. Las Brasas also donated chickens to their bake sale. It was an absolute success and so inspirational. We hope to continue working with them and others to pour back into our lovely community.
https://www.joplinglobe.com/news/medical-loan-closet-of-joplin-receives-funds-from-joplin-interfaith-coalition-bake-sale/article_a0d08b4a-0021-11f0-8fcf-6f98ce3ab66a.html