Chefs Stephanie Willis and Malik Ali recently opened a cafe in Chester to help feed the community, writes Michael Klein for The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Their journey to battle food insecurity began three years ago when they moved to Chester. There, they opened the nonprofit food hall Vittles.
Vittles became the headquarters for the Everybody Eats movement, created by Ali and Willis alongside other Black chefs in Philadelphia. The movement began in June 2020 after the murder of George Floyd. Since its creation, the movement has provided food and household items to locals in need.
Unfortunately, Vittles struggled to get enough foot traffic during the day. They decided to look for a new location to continue their mission.
Ali and Willis opened Everybody Eats Cafe at 16 W. Fifth Street in a former bar-restaurant. They offer breakfast and lunch and will add brunch soon.
They’re also currently working on renovating the space next door for live music and parties.
“We’re just trying to bring a vibe,” said Ali. “Basically, there’s not too many places in Chester where you can sit down and eat at.”
Though they’re for-profit, they continue to support the community, preparing food four times a week to feed 100 people.
Find out more about Everybody Eats Cafe and how they’re helping the community in The Philadelphia Inquirer.
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