Everybody Eats Opens New Cafe in Chester Aiming to Create a Welcoming Atmosphere
In a city grappling with economic challenges, Chester, Pennsylvania, continues to seek community-driven solutions to uplift its residents. With a significant portion of its population living in poverty and recent trends indicating the closure of the closest hospitals, the need for positive community engagement has never been more pressing.
Amidst these difficulties, chefs Stephanie Willis and Malik Ali have chosen Chester as the site for their innovative culinary venture, Vittles, and recently opened the Everybody Eats Cafe. This initiative aims to combat food insecurity in a region where local access to quality food options is limited. Located conveniently near Chester’s downtown area, the cafe enhances the culinary landscape while fostering social responsibility.
Having relocated from Philadelphia three years ago, the duo initially operated their nonprofit food hall in a less-trafficked area but recently relocated to 16 W. Fifth St. to improve visibility and accessibility. The cafe, which briefly opened for lunch last month, is expanding its offerings to include breakfast and plans to introduce weekend brunch. Additionally, an event space is under construction next door, set to host live music and community gatherings.
Willis and Ali emphasize their deep connection to the community, providing meals for local residents in partnership with Chester Eastside four times a week. This commitment extends beyond daily operations, as the pair regularly conducts cooking demonstration classes for children through the Making a Change Group. Through these classes, they teach children how to prepare simple, healthy meals, fostering a culture of self-sufficiency in food preparation.
The cafe also bolsters local economic opportunities by serving as the operational base for their catering company, Everybody Eats on Set, which collaborates with film and television productions in the vicinity. Their recent projects include catering for the Netflix series Tires and the Apple TV+ drama Dope Thief, as well as providing meals for the film Breathe.
Currently, the cafe operates weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., revealing a diverse menu that includes Creole shrimp and grits, salmon burgers, and halal breakfast options. As Chester continues to navigate its challenges, ventures like the Everybody Eats Cafe serve not only to fill bellies but also to foster a sense of community and mutual support.
The efforts of Willis and Ali not only enrich the local dining experience but also illustrate the power of culinary initiatives in promoting resilience and hope in areas facing significant socioeconomic difficulties. As they continue to build relationships within the community, their commitment exemplifies the transformative potential of food and engagement in revitalizing the city of Chester.
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