“That always stood out for me even with hair … making sure you are giving them the attention or customer service.”. To many of its customers, Ms. Tootsie’s is known for having the best soul food — fried chicken, ribs, fried catfish and more — in Philadelphia. He just impacted so many people. "Councilwoman (Jannie) Blackwell has a Christmas party for homeless children at the Convention Center, and KeVen always donated 100% of the food," he recalled. Show full articles without "Continue Reading" button for {0} hours. Moses said Parker was supportive of the Philly hair industry from soon after they met over 15 years ago. Ms. Tootsie's Owner KeVen Parker Dead at 57. Ms. Download the Mobile App today! Over the last 20 years, the West Philly native expanded his business operations to include the Keven Parker Soul Food Cafe in the Reading Terminal Market, Cafe 3801 in West Philadelphia, and the private catering company Simply Delicious Caterers. Parker 57 Died this morning. January 15, 2021. 1314 South Street and in the Reading Terminal Market!!!! Owner Kerry Bexley and fellow pitmaster Clay Cowgill share the cooking duties with her, but even in the pit room they don’t get too close to each other, Tootsie says. All are Hall of Famers. The social media director, who knew Parker for more than two decades, said he could “be like Gordon Ramsey” — stern and not afraid to tell it like it is. He named the restaurant for his late mother Joyce, who got her nickname from a childhood affection for Tootsie Rolls, and quickly attracted crowds for Southern-style specialties that earned praise from Food Network celebs and locals alike — including Patti LaBelle, a frequent and beloved patron. Sign up for our weekly newsletter. He was a genuine and kind person and a good man. The celebrated restaurant owned by KeVen Parker, who died on Friday, Jan. 15, 2021, was a staple in the community. We called him our mentor, our friend, our sounding board. Parker was known for running a high school internship program for Philadelphia’s young people. Kid Rock's Big Honky Tonk & Steakhouse. The news of Ms. Tootsie’s closure and the building’s pending sale stunned Will Mack, owner of South … They were completely devastated. Date : Time : & Budget : $ How Many Guests : Food : Full Meal Buffet Appetizer Buffet. Forty-five of the 594 Black-owned Philly businesses listed in a local directory in 2020 have since closed, either temporarily or permanently — a decline of about 8%. “He always told me, ‘Carla, check on everyone in the restaurant even though you are not the waitress.’ It’s called ‘touching the table’ because you always want the customers to feel like they are included in your process,” Clarkson said. He did it in such a stern, loving way. © All rights reserved. Yet he could do it with an empathy that let him leave an indelible mark on everyone. We can call at any time of day for advice and he will call us back.”, A post shared by The Award Winning Ms.Tootsie's (@mstootsies). He was 57. I called Ms. Tootsie's on a Friday afternoon to inquire about making reservations for a party of 9 on the following Sunday. "Oh my god, the food was unmatched. You could tell it was more just than a boss-employee relationship. Philadelphia’s social media universe lit up Friday as people all across the region remembered a friend and consummate host. Want a digest of WHYY’s programs, events & stories? There was never a time in my life when he was not there for me. If you got past his interview, if you were hardworking and dedicated, you were hired.”. https://t.co/W5db7nyCY9. Shop for women's designer clothing, shoes, handbags and accessories online at Tootsies. (Do not skip the $5 home-brewed tea that comes with it's own Ms. Tootsie's take-home plastic bottle). Tootsies, a 45-year-old Houston-based luxury retailer, has been sold to its president, Norman Lewis. WHYY connects you to the Greater Philly community by providing trustworthy, fact-based, local news and information and world-class entertainment. "His staff was completely in tears," he said. Both None. All are some of the greatest to ever do it. “His business acumen … whoever needed something in the city, he was there,” said David Clements, the social media director for Ms. Tootsie’s and Parker’s other business ventures. The Owner Of One Of Philly’s Popular Black Owned Restaurants Ms. Tootsie’s has died at 57 A pioneer in the Black restaurant community died Friday. "The amount of minority restaurant owners in the city, we can probably count on one hand, unfortunately," added Qamara Edwards, a member of the board of directors for the Pennsylvania Restaurant and Lodging Association. When I called him and asked him a question on how to get started, he took my phone call," she said. He's just an icon on so many levels. “If he could have taught a class, if he could have done a video, how to, that would have been great for any entrepreneur.”, Black Food & Dessert Expo pop-up returns for a spring experience. Kerry Bexley, owner of Snow’s BBQ, knew there was a demand for good BBQ in the small town of Lexington with a population of only 1100 people. Philly’s own Ms.Tootsies has become such an important staple in the soul food world, even superstar Drake has name-dropped the restaurant in a song, “ … Together we can reach 100 % of WHYY ’ s programs, events & stories her succeed,. West Philadelphia, helped run the networking event at Ms. Tootsie 's Bar... Parkers Cafe in the building next door — become a WHYY sponsor all are of! Is open to the public on weekends Cafe in the world shoes, handbags and accessories online at Tootsies hair. Tell you how to run your business, Clarkson worked at Ms. Tootsie 's Restaurant on South with... 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