By Sasha Lucas
In Motion Staff Writer
A recent graduate of Daytona State’s Culinary Management program is making big moves by opening up her own restaurant in Daytona Beach close to several college campuses, including DSC.
Deborah Reshard, 24, opened the doors to Lil Mama’s Kitchen Nov. 7 to many hungry customers anticipating savory down-home meals. Reshard even held a contest to give away free meals to three lucky customers.
Building a restaurant was a bit of a challenge at first. “I have many people try to take the building, not believing in me and thought I wasn’t good enough for it. But it was God that made it possible.”
“I want to add delivery service soon and make Lil Mama’s Kitchen a chain by the next year and a half,” says Richard, who has big ambitions.
One of Reshard’s mentors and Chef Instructor David Weir says, “I am extremely proud of her for following through with her dream and wish her all the best. Throughout her time in school she demonstrated the drive and determination to learn as much as possible and is now able to put it into practice.”
Funding for Lil Mama’s Kitchen was made possible through loans from Reshard’s parents, pastors, an uncle and her boyfriend. Although she has not consulted with the Small Business Development Center at Daytona State, she knows it’s there to help if she needs it.
Although Reshard has been busy with the new restaurant, she is also working on her debut album as a gospel artist. Music has taken her to the famous Apollo Theater in Harlem, NY. Harlem is also home to Sylvia’s, known as “The Queen of Soul Food.” Sylvia Woods’ restaurant originally opened in 1962. Reshard hopes her restaurant can boast the same longevity in the future. Coincidently they both offer meatloaf as a special on Wednesdays.
Reshard also envisions Lil Mama’s Kitchen growing to the popularity of Miss Robbie’s Sweetie Pies, a soul food chain restaurant that’s a favorite of Oprah Winfrey. Winfrey has devoted a reality TV show on her OWN network based on that St. Louis, Mo. family business.
At Lil Mama’s, a 10 percent discount is provided to any student who shows their current student ID. For those who forget their ID, no need to panic because prices are down home too. A pork chop sandwich costs $4.75 or a four-piece wing combo with fries is $4.50. For seafood lovers, there are several options, ranging from a fish sandwhich for $5.50 to a $12 shrimp dinner.
Everyone is invited to pull up a chair and feast their senses on delectable Southern- style cooking courtesy of head chef Reshard, who is always serving up ribs, macaroni and cheese, cornbread, meatloaf and wings, to name just some of the quality items. Diners can enjoy such comfort foods by dining-in or ordering take out. A typical takeout order might consist of the combo special of the day, such as meatloaf, mashed potatoes and gravy, cornbread, cabbage and poundcake.
Lil Mama’s Kitchen is located at 200 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd in Daytona Beach, just two blocks south of International Speedway Boulevard. Call 872-6142
For anyone other students looking to launch a start-up, Daytona State’s Small Business Development Center provides expertise and resources needed to help thems succeed with their entrepreneurial aspirations. Contact the SBDC at the Daytona Beach Campus Building 110, Suite 236. Or contact 506-4723 or SBDC@DaytonaState.edu