Flavor, Art and Heart - The Remaking of Brazos Cafe

Nestled within the walls of St. Luke’s Health – Brazosport, the Brazos Cafe has long served as a convenient spot for a meal or a moment of respite. But for Chef Marcus Broaden, the hospital’s Food and Nutrition Services Director, ‘convenience’ wasn’t enough. He envisioned a space that nourished the spirit – a warm, inviting environment that felt less like a hospital cafeteria and more like a community diner. Thanks to the generosity and talent of local artist and long-time hospital volunteer Dana Moody-Stevens, that vision recently became a reality.

Chef Broaden’s goal was to infuse the Brazos Cafe with a sense of comfort and local charm, transforming it into an oasis for patients, their families, hospital staff, and even the surrounding community. A Navy veteran, Chef Broaden served for 20 years as a Culinary Specialist First Class. “I love being by the water, and I love a small-town feel,” he said, explaining his vision for adding a touch of nature and history to the cafe.

After proposing his idea to hospital leadership, he was soon led to a serendipitous connection with Dana Moody-Stevens.

Dana, a cherished volunteer at St. Luke's Health since 2015, eagerly embraced the opportunity. A legally blind artist, Dana's perseverance is evident in every brushstroke, as she skillfully navigates her visual impairment to create detailed and vibrant works. It was a unique collaboration: Chef Broaden, with his culinary management background, even joined Dana in the painting process. “He said, ‘I’d like to learn how to paint - is it okay if I hang out and try to learn something?’” Dana recalled. “And he showed up with his paint clothes and was extremely helpful.”

Over two weekends, the duo meticulously painted landscape scenes that pay homage to the natural beauty surrounding Lake Jackson. Visitors can now dine alongside a serene scene from nearby Surfside Beach or gaze upon a peaceful pier near the area’s popular Sea Center. Each brushstroke reflects the local environment, creating a sense of familiarity and tranquility. “I was glad to be a part of it,” Dana said. “It was an honor and a privilege to bring these scenes of Lake Jackson's natural beauty into such an important community space.”

Beyond the murals, Chef Broaden also introduced elements of fun and engagement with classic arcade games like Pac-Man, foosball, and air hockey, along with framed photographs depicting scenes from local history. The hope? To cultivate a space that serves up delicious food alongside stress-relief, connection and community. It’s a renewed commitment not just to feeding the body, but to nurturing the soul, ensuring everyone who steps through the Brazos Cafe doors feels welcomed, uplifted, and connected.

“We welcome everyone,” Chef Broaden said. “You don’t have to be a patient or know a patient to enjoy a meal here!” The cafe is open weekdays for breakfast from 6:30 to 10 a.m. and for lunch from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at 100 Medical Dr., Lake Jackson, Tx. Diners are sure to enjoy the Brazos Cafe experience–where every meal is served with a side of local pride and heartfelt hospitality.

Learn more about St. Luke’s Health - Brazosport Hospital.