From Scratch: The Flints Serve Up Family, Food, and Fellowship

Photo by Karen Presecan

In the heart of Spotsylvania County, Jackson and Brittany Flint have created something special – a blended family of seven that exemplifies the power of food, community service, and genuine connection. With five children ranging from teenagers to toddlers, their home buzzes with the energy of Mackenzie, Kai, Layla, Hannah, and Pierce, all of whom share a love for drawing, crafting, gaming, and soccer.

The couple's love story began in the most fitting place imaginable for a future chef and entrepreneur: a local restaurant in Downtown Fredericksburg. But it was a particular moment that truly sealed their bond. "One of my fondest memories is when he met my two older kids [Mackenzie and Kai]. It's cheesy to say love at first sight, but I feel as though we both felt an instant connection," Brittany recalls. "Having kids makes you more cautious when you're dating, and I didn't want to introduce them to just anyone. When they finally met, it was effortless and only solidified our bond."

Brittany's path to culinary entrepreneurship began with a year of self-discovery after high school. Coming from a military family where both parents pursued higher education later in life, she found herself working as a hostess at a local steakhouse when clarity struck. "After working as a hostess in a local steakhouse, I realized that these were my people and cooking food comes naturally," she explains. Her inspiration came from an unexpected source: "I remember coming home excited to share with my parents that I wanted to go to the same Culinary school Bobby Flay [I watched A LOT of Food Network as a teen] went to." Her parents' support was immediate, and soon they were touring culinary schools in New York.

Jackson’s journey in the food industry started when he began working in restaurants at 17. For two decades, he gained experience in kitchens across Virginia—including Blacksburg, Downtown Fredericksburg, Remington, Orange, and Spotsylvania—and worked his way up to the role of Executive Chef, a position he held for five years. 

Today, both Jackson and Brittany channel their culinary passion and dedication into ensuring the growth of their two local businesses: CBF Catering and Family Meal Services. As a private chef specializing in intimate occasions and weekly meal prep, Brittany has built her reputation on supporting the local community and Jackson echoes those same values. Their approach to business focuses on "sourcing from small businesses and farms in the area," creating a network of mutual support that strengthens the entire region.

The Flint family's commitment to community extends far beyond their professional endeavors. Four years ago, when they moved into their current home in Spotsylvania, Brittany discovered an unexpected passion that would become both therapy and transformation. The property came with established garden beds, and soon after the birth of their youngest child, Brittany found the dirt calling to her: "After giving birth to our youngest, I felt a little restricted in what I could do. That's when I started pulling weeds, digging up new beds, re-mulching and transplanting every plant I could get my hands on," she shares. "Watching our outdoor area transform is so satisfying."

This love of nurturing growth extends to her work with The Politigals, a grassroots organization that embodies the family's commitment to service. "Although our mission is still in the works, we focus on supplying the unhoused with necessities, teen girls with sanitary supplies, and hosting politically focused meetings with guest speakers to help educate women about what's happening at the local level in our community," Brittany explains. The group represents her belief in the power of local action and education to create meaningful change.

Family life for the Flints includes beloved pets who have become integral family members. Recently, they experienced the loss of their two older lab mixes, Winslow and Stella, but their memory continues to be cherished. Their current menagerie includes Seaco, a gray female cat with a unique origin story. While working as the Catering Chef at the University of Mary Washington, Brittany encountered three abandoned kittens through a coworker. "I took one look at the grey one and knew I had to take her home. We named her Seaco after Seacobeck Hall," she recalls. The family also includes Monty, a one-year-old German Shorthaired Pointer who "keeps our lives very interesting."

The Flints' deep connection to their community is rooted in familiarity and discovery. Both Jackson and Brittany grew up in Spotsylvania, and after a stint in Stafford, they've returned home. "I love the familiarity of this town while still discovering its treasures. I love how rural this area is, but also the proximity to DC and Richmond. I think it's a great place to grow up," Brittany reflects.

Their leisure time often involves exploring the rich history of their region. Brittany particularly enjoys "walking through the Battlefields, any will do, but especially love walking through the ones located by the Spotsylvania Courthouse." She's also excited about the evolving character of nearby Fredericksburg, noting that the area "is slowly becoming more and more diverse, which is an amazing thing" as the restaurant scene continues to grow.

When it comes to vacation time, the family keeps things simple yet meaningful, enjoying "time at the beach when possible and weekends away in West Virginia." These getaways provide opportunities for the entire family to recharge together, away from the busy schedules that come with running businesses and raising five active children.

Through Family Meal Services, Brittany continues to serve her community by offering "a seasonal, weekly menu to pre-order meals, sides, and add-ons for drop off the following week." This service reflects her understanding that busy families need support, and her commitment to providing healthy, locally-sourced options makes that support more meaningful.

The Flint family represents the best of small-town American values: hard work, community service, and the belief that success is measured not just in business achievements, but in the positive impact one has on neighbors and friends. In a world that often feels disconnected, they've built a life centered on bringing people together – whether through a perfectly catered meal, a community garden project, or simply opening their home to those who need support.

Their story continues to unfold in Spotsylvania County, where five children grow up understanding that true success comes from serving others, and where two entrepreneurs prove daily that business and community service can flourish hand in hand.
—----

To learn more about their business ventures, visit chefbrittanyflint.com and familymealservices.com or follow them @orderfamilymeal and @chefbflint on social media.