The resolution read:
entrepreneur; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Parker was a self-made success story, opening various soul food eateries, particularly the famed Ms. Tootsie s, and Keven Parker s Soul Food Cafe. His success expanded to oversee six distinct entities, corporate offices of The KeVen Parker Company, and even his own lifestyle brand, KPD Lifestyle; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Parker s own achievements paved the way for future Black restaurateurs and entrepreneurs, and he continued to pay it forward by counseling, mentoring and helping others pursue their own success; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Parker made award-winning dishes that have been sampled by Patti LaBelle, Oprah Winfrey, Will Smith, Mo Nique, and former President Bill Clinton. His famous Ms. Tootsie s was named the best Southern-style restaurant for three years running in Black Enterprise magazine and appeared frequently on televised food shows. The Food Network s Robert Irvine raved about his fried chicken on The Best Thing I Ever
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A viewing was held at The Met for Philadelphia restaurateur KeVen Parker, who died of cancer on Jan. 14 at age 57. (Ximena Conde/WHYY)
Humanitarian, mentor, visionary, Mr. Philadelphia, the “epitome of Black excellence”: these are just some of the ways that friends, business associates, and acquaintances described KeVen Parker after paying their respects to the venerated entrepreneur and owner of Philadelphia soul-food beacon Ms. Tootsie’s.
Parker died Jan. 15 at 57 due to cancer. In addition to Ms. Tootsie’s, Parker’s business empire includes Keven Parker Soul Food Cafe in the Reading Terminal Market, Cafe 3801 in West Philadelphia, and the private catering company Simply Delicious Caterers.
A pioneer in the Black restaurant community has died Friday. Keven Parker owned Ms. Tootsie s Restaurant on South Street and another location at the Reading Terminal Market.
Looking at all the lives Parker had touched, Lanez Perry-Boone said she felt his presence at the viewing.
She said he was like a father to her.
To many in the community, he was a trailblazer, opening various soul food eateries, particularly the now famed Ms. Tootsies.
A community comes to say goodbye to pioneer restauranteur, KeVen Parker. The 6 hour viewing helped maintain social distancing for those who stopped by the MET. Parker died earlier this month from cancer and diabetes. His funeral tomorrow is a private event pic.twitter.com/iE4Rj3Rhtd Christie Ileto (@Christie Ileto) January 26, 2021
KeVen Parker inspired a new generation of Philly s Black chefs and restaurateurs inquirer.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from inquirer.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) Philly natives Bryon and Natasha Dockett are living examples of perseverance and overcoming life adversities.
In 2015, the couple experienced homelessness living in an RV, spending weeks at a time without electricity, gas, or running water. Once my wife found a job, and then I found two jobs, we were working a total of three jobs, said Bryon Dockett, co-owner of UnSoul Food. We could finally afford an apartment.
After finally finding a place to live, the couple donated their RV then moved to New Jersey, where they stayed on the 9th floor of an apartment unit.
But the Docketts felt like something bigger was missing.