Lisa Morris knew it might be a tall order. She and her husband, Traci, wanted to create a space that would foster healing and empowerment in their Chester County community through holistic and faith-based services. They also wanted to utilize their hospitality experience and tie it in with good food. In 2014, the couple founded the nonprofit Two Fish organization and opened Filet of Soul, a Thorndale eatery that trained and employed troubled youth while serving exceptional Southern-style cuisine. It hung in there for two years before succumbing to financial troubles.
Undeterred, they turned to board members at West Chester’s Charles A. Melton Arts and Education Center in 2017 to discuss expanding their cooperative concept. “Two Fish echoes the biblical narrative found in the Gospel of Matthew, where Jesus multiplied two fish and five loaves of bread to feed a multitude, showcasing the transformative power of compassion and community,” says Morris.
With surprising speed, board members, residents, business leaders and local officials came together to help the couple hash out the concept for 2Fish Holistic Wellness Hub. Located in the Melton Center, it would offer a striking number of services, including culinary training, academic assistance, charitable meals, community events and health activities. “It [was designed to be] a place where all people can come together to learn, work, socialize and connect as neighbors, partners, friends and fellow community members,” says state senator Carolyn Comitta, West Chester’s former mayor.
The kitchen produces southern soul food with a healthy twist–flavorful plant-based variations on brisket, crabcakes, shrimp and grits, and pulled pork.
When the pandemic hit in 2020, 2Fish had to quickly redefine its mission. They came to the aid of low-income families and seniors, making and distributing over 30,000 nutritious, no-cost meals out of the Melton Center’s existing kitchen. “Volunteers in masks and gloves loaded up cars,” Morris recalls. “We learned what the kitchen and the community could do in a high-volume situation.”
The meal drive was a huge success, paving the way for the group to move forward with the cafe once COVID restrictions waned. Remarkably, in less than six months, local officials and community members worked to obtain over $2 million in grant funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Education, United Way of Chester County, the Alliance for Health Equity and the American Rescue Plan Act. Others came on board with additional funding, supplies and administrative services. That diverse list includes Chester County Food Bank, West Chester Food Cupboard, Penn Medicine/Chester County Hospital, Chester County Opportunities Industrialization Center, Church Housing Corp. and Home Depot. “It took about seven to eight months to create 2Fish Community Café logistically,” says Morris.
Debuting this past summer, the 1,500-square-foot kitchen/eatery and adjoining 2,500-square-foot banquet space are made entirely of repurposed and donated materials. Volunteers assembled modular cabinetry, cut and pieced together marble countertops, painted walls, and built shelving. Meanwhile, Morris secured additional kitchen equipment from a distributor and found tables and chairs on Facebook Marketplace.
The vibe at 2Fish is low-key, rustic and chill, with dark-grained wood, earthtone countertops, carved wooden sculptures and votive candles. Necessities include cafeteria-style warming trays, a to-go freezer, and a cappuccino maker courtesy of Chester County coffee machine supplier Lavazza. A chef, two prep staffers and other employees assist where needed. Most have barista training through Lavazza, and each is paid a living wage. All “have various barriers to employment,” says Morris.
The cafe is open to the public Wednesday-Saturday. On Tuesdays, staff members are on the clock, but they receive mental health, financial literacy, spiritual formation, diet and exercise services. Chef Kenneth Khatmay started with Morris in 2016. His kitchen produces Southern soul food with a healthy twist—flavorful plant-based variations on brisket, crabcakes, shrimp and grits, pulled pork, and chicken and waffles.
Historically, unhealthy food prep methods in early Black communities grew out of the harsh conditions of slavery. Breading, deep frying and excessive salt, oil and butter were used to disguise low-quality ingredients. “Our mission is to provide delectable plant-based alternatives and revitalize the connection to ancestral roots while addressing those historic health disparities,” Morris says. “It’s a huge educational challenge, but if we make the dish look appetizing and take advantage of natural herbs and seasonings using fresh ingredients, we feel the community will support us.”
Visit 2fishcommunitycafe.org.
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