We’re looking forward to introducing you to Brenda King . Check out our conversation below.
Brenda , it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
I feel like I’m being called to share my voice and step into spaces where I once chose to stay quiet. Speaking in front of others has never been something I enjoyed, but now I realize that my story, my journey, and my purpose can inspire and uplift. It’s not about being a “speaker,” it’s about allowing my experiences to serve others and make an impact. I’m being called to lean into that, to show up fully, and to let my words carry the strength and truth that’s already within me.
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am the proud owner of a family-owned restaurant inspired by my daughters and built on the foundation of family, faith, and community. To us, it has never been just about serving food—it’s about creating an experience that unites people and leaves a lasting impact. What sets us apart is the heart behind our mission: we serve every customer with quality and care, while also giving back by feeding the homeless and supporting those in need. Each meal we prepare carries a story of love, resilience, and purpose, and I am honored to build a legacy that my daughters will one day carry forward with heart.
From the moment you walk into our restaurant, you are welcomed with the energizing sounds of Christian hip-hop music, setting the tone for an atmosphere filled with joy, faith, and gratitude. We proudly serve handmade patties—crafted fresh by hand—with options like Angus beef, turkey, and plant-based Impossible meat. Our menu extends far beyond burgers, with favorites like fish sandwiches, chicken sandwiches, pastrami sandwiches, and so much more. Every plate is rooted in love, quality, and excellence, because we believe food should not only nourish the body but also warm the heart and create connection.
This restaurant is more than a business—it’s a ministry, a place of service, and a reflection of faith in action. It is a space where family, community, and purpose come together, and every customer becomes part of our story.
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” – Colossians 3:23
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
The moment that truly shaped how I see the world was losing my brother Miguel. His passing forever changed the way I view life, family, and purpose. Miguel had a heart of gold and was always there for anyone who needed him. He stood by me and my family from the very beginning—helping us start Hotbox Burgers in our trailer days and supporting us all the way to opening our brick-and-mortar location. Tragically, he passed just four months after we opened the restaurant, a loss that shook us deeply.
Even in his absence, I carry a deep responsibility to honor his memory through the way I live, the way I serve my community, and the work I build for my family. His life reminded me how short and unpredictable time on this earth can be, but also how powerful love, service, and legacy are. Miguel’s spirit continues to guide me every day, pushing me to keep fighting for what’s right, to create opportunities for others, and to ensure that his spirit lives on in everything I do.
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” – Galatians 6:9
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering has taught me lessons that success never could. In the midst of pain, I discovered resilience, humility, and a deeper dependence on God’s strength rather than my own. Success can celebrate what I’ve achieved, but suffering revealed who I truly am and who I can become when everything else is stripped away. It taught me compassion for others, the value of faith in dark seasons, and the power of perseverance when giving up feels easier. Most of all, suffering showed me that true strength isn’t measured by victories, but by the courage to keep moving forward with hope and purpose, even when the road is heavy.
Losing my brother Miguel on 7/21/22 taught me firsthand the profound meaning of grief and the responsibility of carrying his memory with love and purpose. Later, I walked beside my brother William through his suffering, advocating for him until the very end. Losing him on 4/12/25 was one of the hardest experiences of my life, and only a few months later, my youngest brother John passed suddenly on 8/24/25 and unexpectedly. Experiencing three profound losses in such a short time showed me the depths of pain, but also revealed the unfailing presence of God. I have seen the bottom, the top, and every level in between, and through it all, He has never left me.
Every other battle I’ve faced—whether personal, professional, or spiritual—has also shaped me. Each struggle has taught me resilience, patience, and faith. Every trial reminded me to lean on God’s strength, to trust His timing, and to never give up even when the path seems impossible. Through every sorrow and challenge, I have learned that God’s hand is always guiding me, and His love is steadfast.
These experiences have deepened my commitment to honor my brothers’ memories. They have pushed me to fight for what is right, serve my community, and build a legacy for my family that reflects love, faith, and purpose. I know life is fragile, but love, service, and legacy are eternal.
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” – Psalm 34:18
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” – Psalm 147:3
Every loss, every battle, every victory, has taught me that God never leaves His children. He carries us through the valleys and celebrates with us on the mountaintops. And through it all, I continue to walk forward, strengthened by His promises and inspired to live with purpose, faith, and unwavering love.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
The public version of me is real, but it doesn’t always tell the full story. People see my strength, my drive, and the way I keep pushing forward, but they don’t always see the quiet moments when I feel heavy, the times I’m overwhelmed, or the battles I face in silence. I share my truth, but I also keep certain parts close because not everyone will understand the weight I carry. What you see is me, but it’s the version that has learned to keep standing no matter what life brings. The real me is both—the fighter you see and the human being who still feels, heals, and hopes.
“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” – Romans 15:4
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
I think people might misunderstand my legacy by thinking it’s only about the business or the success I’ve built. While those things are visible, the heart of my legacy is about love, service, and family—honoring my brother Miguel’s memory, caring for my community, and breaking generational curses. It’s about the lives I touch, the faith I live out, and the values I pass on to my daughters. People may see the surface, but the real legacy is the impact, the lessons, and the example of resilience and purpose that I hope will outlive me.
“Whatever you do for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” – Matthew 25:40
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hotboxburgers.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hotboxburgersla?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
Image Credits
https://linktr.ee/Mr.fantastic_himself?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=783d6937-9e7c-4e19-8741-9d7408eea02e
