Gene, Joyce and Mike Kerns were more than family to Yvette… her father Gene, Mother Joyce, and brother Mike are the heartbeat behind Petite Cook Charlotte. Whether it’s Yvette inspired by an old family recipe from her mother Joyce, a story of the history of Indian “fry bread” from her father Gene , or the memory of Mike offering encouragement in the kitchen, all three continue to bring Yvette a sense of warmth, steadiness and comfort that makes every day in the kitchen brighter.
Her father, mother, and brother believed in Yvette long before Petite Cook Charlotte ever existed. Their years of love,support, humor, and quiet strength have helped shape the woman and the chef she is today. Much of the love she pours into her food is rooted in many memories and family moments created with them. From cooking together, learning together, and sharing the joy that comes from feeding others.
In 1991 , Yvette lost her father in an untimely and tragic accident. And earlier this year, she lost both her mother and her brother Mike.
Their absence has left a space that can never be replaced, but their spirit continues to guide the heart of this business. Every dish crafted, every client served, and every gathering shared is another way their love lives on.
This page is dedicated to Yvette’s father Gene, mother Joyce, and her brother Mike – for the inspiration they gave, the kindness they carried, and the legacy of love her beautiful family members leaves behind.
Yvette’s “Heart of the Kitchen” would also like to bring awareness to suicide prevention alongside of mental health awareness. After experiencing a long and courageous battle with debilitating depression and mental health , her brother Mike, died by suicide on January 26, 2025. Her mission in the kitchen moving forward is to bring awareness and remove the stigma attached to mental health.
Her father, mother, and brother believed in Yvette long before Petite Cook Charlotte ever existed. Their years of love,support, humor, and quiet strength have helped shape the woman and the chef she is today. Much of the love she pours into her food is rooted in many memories and family moments created with them. From cooking together, learning together, and sharing the joy that comes from feeding others.
In 1991 , Yvette lost her father in an untimely and tragic accident. And earlier this year, she lost both her mother and her brother Mike.
Their absence has left a space that can never be replaced, but their spirit continues to guide the heart of this business. Every dish crafted, every client served, and every gathering shared is another way their love lives on.
This page is dedicated to Yvette’s father Gene, mother Joyce, and her brother Mike – for the inspiration they gave, the kindness they carried, and the legacy of love her beautiful family members leaves behind.
Yvette’s “Heart of the Kitchen” would also like to bring awareness to suicide prevention alongside of mental health awareness. After experiencing a long and courageous battle with debilitating depression and mental health , her brother Mike, died by suicide on January 26, 2025. Her mission in the kitchen moving forward is to bring awareness and remove the stigma attached to mental health.
