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On January 1, 2015, Lisa and Traci Morris opened Filet of Soul Restaurant in Downingtown, PA with a mission
to love people and transform lives through employment, food, music, and service.
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Lisa and Traci were passionate about providing delicious BBQ, Caribbean, and Soul Food Cuisine to the community, but they were more passionate about mentoring youth, serving veterans with disabilities, and implementing a progressive second chance employment policy which gave hiring preference to individuals with barriers to employment.
Filet of Soul became the only full-service dining establishment in Chester County which was staffed almost exclusively by seniors, individuals recovering from addiction, persons with disabilities, and economically-disadvantaged youth. Notably, the restaurant consistently received 4+ star reviews from all sources.
But in October of 2017, Traci and Lisa Morris decided to pursue their passion by narrowing their focus while broadening the impact they could have on the under-served populations and the community at large.
Lisa and Traci Morris joined forces with their longtime friend, Jill Swavely, an entrepreneur, educator, visionary and hospitality professional. Together they established Filet of Soul Catering and Filet of Soul Culinary Institute at the Charles A. Melton Arts & Education Center in West Chester PA..
Over the past several years, Filet of Soul's programs, partnerships and services have expanded to include summer youth internship programs, holistic health and wellness programs, worker advocacy services, and a charitable meal distribution program which services all four low-income census tracts in Chester County.
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In December 2020, Two Fish and Five Loaves Community Café, a registered 501 (c) (3), was established to house and fund the expansion of these programs that serve marginalized and under-served individuals throughout Chester County.
What our customers are saying...
1
Heather T. - Don't wait; go now. GO NOW. GO TO FILET OF SOUL. NOW.
“When I tell you that I basically had a culinary religious experience with these oxtails, I'm not even joking. I'm by no means an expert on oxtails, but I've had them now at about 5 places run by people who know, and these were hands-down the best I've had. Tender, skillfully seasoned...everything I know to be the best things about oxtails. It was heaven..”
2
Deborah C. - So Grateful!
“Lisa and Jill, words cannot express how you and your staff made me feel... everyone was blown away by your part in this event... your team was excellent, and the phone calls, texts, and comments keep coming in. I am moved to tears by what you all poured out..."
3
Johnny V. - I wish that I could give it 10 stars!
"The ribs were deliciously smoked, great grits and fries. Homemade mac n' cheese was very good. The red velvet waffles were like delicious clouds of awesome. The jerk chicken with rice was OUT OF THIS WORLD BANGIN'!!! Oh, did I mention that the fried plantains, sweet potato fries, hush puppies and collard greens were all star quality! This place should be packed nightly. What a great find! We will definitely be back, and we have enough leftovers for lunch tomorrow."
