Spotlight on 802 Soul Kitchen
Marcel Maxwell is the heart and hands behind 802 Soul Kitchen LLC, a Brattleboro-based catering business that brings people together through soulful, flavorful food. Inspired by the legacy of his grandmother and mother, Marcel turned grief into passion, launching his business with “two skillets and a dream.” From feeding friends in his childhood home to serving up comfort food at community events, his cooking is deeply personal and full of personality. With the support of SEVCA and his local community, Marcel continues to grow his business, proving that resilience, flavor, and love can change lives. This is a Q & A that Marcel kindly took part in with Chris from our Micro Business Development Program.
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What is the name of your business/organization?
802 Soul Kitchen LLC based on Brattleboro, VT
What service or product do you offer?
I feed people. 802 Soul Kitchen does both community events and private catering.
Can you tell us about the inspiration behind starting your business?
Watching my grandmother and mother in the kitchen from a young age, I grew to love cooking and being in the kitchen myself. After my grandmother and mother passed, I started 802 Soul Kitchen to celebrate their memory. I had a really hard time, especially after losing my mom, and I struggled until I decided to use the last money I had set aside to start this business. Two skillets and a dream.
Why do you love your work?
I always fed people. I always wanted to cook. Growing up in Jamaica Plain my house was the hangout, and when me and my friends were there skipping school, people were hungry, and I would whip up some pancakes or something and feed them. That’s where I started, where my love for cooking started.
What makes your business / organizational offerings unique?
I would say my flavor is unique, and everything on my menu complements each other. Plus, you can’t get specific flavor like this in the area – it’s hard to find and good flavor is scarce. My personality, and my heritage, is in my food. I guess its personal.
Who is your primary customer / client base, and how do you attract and retain them?
Anyone who wants a satisfying meal. For events, people who want good food, comfort food, energy and personality. I’m told I have a lot of personality (grins).
What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as a business owner?
Not knowing business and learning the hard way. I know the kitchen, but all the details of the business side have been a challenge. I’m still learning.
What are some of the biggest challenges your organization has faced?
On my very first cook I missed my turn 1 minute away from the event site. I tried to back up and got stuck pretty bad. There was a stranger who saw me get stuck and came and helped me out. I don’t know his name but I will never forget him. I was literally in tears a minute away from my first job and he saved me.
What is your relationship to SEVCA and why is it important to you or your business/organization?
SEVCA saved my life. Literally. How SEVCA has been in my corner, you make me feel like Rocky in the 12th round. Every time you tell me I’m a rock star you give me the confidence to keep going and believe in myself. You always listened too, no matter what. Sarah was the very first person I worked with, and she helped me so much with my electric bill and listened. Emily, J, you all listened and helped me so much. When I was at my lowest you have always been there…even when you couldn’t help me, you listened. SEVCA means a lot to me.
What innovations or changes have you implemented to adapt to customer / client needs?
I don’t think we have made many changes but working with SEVCA we have learned to listen. We listen to our community and our customers, and any changes we make are really fixing things we were not doing right. We got better, learned the hard way and improved.
What role does the community play in supporting your business / organization?
I have two friends, George and Edith from Wilmington. When I was starting out I didn’t have anything…I didn’t know what I needed. When I was at my lowest and feeling abandoned, they helped me get everything I needed – tents, equipment, and I was able to do my cook. They never asked for anything in return.
They were the first, willing to get to know me and not judge me. Opening up to me - I am so thankful for them. There are more people in the community that have helped me too.
I support the community wherever I can. I set up at Turning Point once a month and feed people there as a way to give back (my mom struggled with alcohol). Without the community support I have been blessed with I don’t know where I would be. I am so thankful for the community support.
How important is the local economy to you and why is it important for people to purchase products and services from local businesses / organizations?
To keep the community strong, we need to support each other. If you support me, I support you. But I also show love even if they don’t show it back. I work with Kate at Mocha Joe’s for example – she sells my honey bun cakes every weekend. Yeah, if you support me, I support you.
That’s important.
Like Chris says, together we are stronger.