Today we’d like to introduce you to JASTIN PACHECO.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My story starts with humble beginnings in Hawai‘i, where my love for food and my passion for feeding people became a part of who I am. For me, cooking has always been a way to show love—to bring people together, make someone feel welcome, and share what I have.
After losing everything in Hawai‘i, I moved to Oregon to start over. Leaving home and rebuilding my life wasn’t easy. There’s a lot of uncertainty in starting again, especially when you’re carrying the weight of everything you’ve lost. But I still had my skills, my love for cooking, and a dream I wasn’t ready to give up on.
That dream became From Da Islandz.
I wanted to share a piece of home with Oregon—the flavors I love, the aloha I carry, and the feeling of being welcomed to the table. Whether someone grew up eating island food or was trying it for the first time, I wanted every plate to give them something to smile about.
Feeding people gives me purpose. Knowing that something I made with my own hands can brighten someone’s day keeps me going. Every person who orders a meal, tells a friend, or comes back for another plate has helped me build something after a time when I had so little.
I’m still building. I’m still learning. And I still dream of sharing my food with the world.
From Da Islandz is a part of my journey from loss to a new beginning. I put my heart into this food because I know what it means to start over, and I’m grateful for every opportunity to do what I love.
Mahalo to everyone who has made room for me and my dream. When you support From Da Islandz, you become part of my story.
From my home to your plate—Aloha in Every Bite.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
From Da Islandz has been through more than most people know. 🤙🏽
We’ve been robbed at gunpoint. We’ve had days where we showed up, prepped the food, opened the cart, and didn’t make a single sale. Days where we questioned how we were going to keep this dream going.
One of the hardest decisions was shutting down day-to-day operations on the cart. So much heart and hard work went into that space, and stepping away wasn’t easy. But we kept going, putting our energy into markets, pop-ups, and catering.
Now, we’ve landed a commissary kitchen to operate out of—another step forward for From Da Islandz. Having a place to keep cooking and building means so much after everything we’ve faced
We’ve been impressed with From Da Islandz , but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
From Da Islandz is about sharing a taste of home and the aloha that comes with it. We specialize in Hawaiian and Polynesian comfort food—bold island flavors, generous portions, and food made with heart. We want every customer, whether they grew up eating island food or are trying it for the first time, to feel welcome at our table.
What sets us apart is the personal connection behind the food. As a chef and owner-operator, I put my experience, pride, and love for feeding people into this business. From the recipes to the way we welcome our customers, I want From Da Islandz to reflect who we are and where we come from.
What I’m most proud of is the community we’ve built. Having people come back, bring their families, and tell us our food reminds them of home means everything. Those connections are the heart of our brand.
After operating as a food cart, we’ve shifted our focus to catering, pop-ups, and special events. We’re still bringing that same island flavor and aloha to the community, whether we’re feeding a family celebration, a workplace gathering, or guests at a local event.
We want readers to know that From Da Islandz is still here, still cooking, and excited for this next chapter. When you support us, you’re supporting a small business built on hard work, culture, and a love for bringing people together over good food.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
From Da Islandz wasn’t built by me alone. Behind this dream is my ʻohana, and I want to give them the credit and love they deserve. ❤️🤙🏽
To my brother Jovenn, my Tita, my in-laws, and my fiancée Lesa—mahalo for helping me build From Da Islandz. Your love, hard work, support, and belief in me helped turn this dream into something real.
People may see me behind the food, but you all are part of the foundation. Every step forward has a piece of you in it, and I’ll always be grateful.
From Da Islandz is more than food—it’s ʻohana. All my love and mahalo to the ones who helped make it possible. 🌺
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