YORK, Pa. — Downtown York has many different restaurants with unique styles and flavors, but one couple felt something was missing.
So, they opened up their own business to share their favorite flavors with others.
These fellow foodies overcame many hurdles to bring soul food to their community. It's a dream turned reality – despite the struggles along the way.
"It's been a journey and an uphill battle," Lauren Days, wife and co-owner of Skillet2Plate Soul Bistro, said.
She says she and her husband, Terrence, started the business because they needed a change.
"Right before COVID happened, he was experiencing a lot of racism at his job," Lauren said.
Terrance had a dream of opening a sports bar one day. In February 2020, the couple opened their own restaurant.
Lauren and Terrence grew up around home cooks and even traveled the world just to try different foods.
"We've been to over fifteen countries together as a couple," Lauren reminisced.
The Days never felt like there was a place they could frequent for that home-cooked meal each week, so they knew soul food would attract their customers.
"We like to be able to offer things that no one else has," Lauren said.
Skillet2Plate had only been open for three weeks before the COVID-19 pandemic hit.
The husband-wife duo did not let that stop them. They closed initially but reopened in May of 2020, with the entire family working together to make up for lost time, quickly perfecting their craft.
"It was literally just us, and we were together 24/7, which brought its own challenges, but it also grew us better together as a family," Lauren said.
The hard work and determination paid off, and four years later, Skillet2Plate is still serving up homemade comfort food.
"Our goal is to make it feel like it's your grandma in the kitchen cooking," Lauren said.
From the soul bowls with their signature buss'n sauce to the cheesesteaks and other favorites, York bellies keep coming back for more!
"Our fried whiting is really, really popular," Lauren said.
And the positive news keeps coming after the rocky start—fans of the buss'n sauce should stay tuned this year!
"We're actually bringing that out in the stores at some point in 2024," Lauren said.
The Days are grateful not just to their customers, but the community for their success. Collaborations with fellow businesses and community resources have helped propel them to this point.
They have these encouraging words for anyone who wants to chase their dreams too:
"Find people that believe in you," Lauren said. "Even when people don't believe in you, you have to believe in yourself. You have to believe in your vision."
And she offered even more important advice for when it doesn't quite go your way.
"Whatever idea or vision you have, just go with it. Figure out ways to put the puzzle together."
It's a powerful message to their community, and that same heart and soul is put into each bite.
Skillet2Plate has more exciting news –
You have until this Saturday, February 17th to try them out at their current location on Philadelphia Street.
After a 2-week hiatus, you can find them in a new location right around the corner on Market Street starting on Friday, March 1st.