From Food Truck to Restaurant: Kay and Vick's Dream

Hi, my name is Kay Vickers, and along with my husband Vincent Cooke, are the owners of Kay's Citrine Soul Food. My husband and I, with the help of our daughter, started the business in 2019. We took our savings and purchased a food truck in 2020 during the pandemic and were not able to fully operate until May 2021. We felt that our community needed Soul Food. The nearest soul food establishment was a 30-40 minute drive from our home. After a few years of operating, we've realized that we're outgrowing the food truck, selling out within 3-4 hours. We are in the process of transitioning from a food truck to a brick and mortar restaurant.

For 20 years, I worked as a nurse, and although I love the medical field, my passion is cooking and entertaining guests. I hosted several events throughout the year at my home and was told by family and friends that I need a restaurant. After praying long and hard, I decided to quit nursing and open a food truck.

My husband Vincent's career was in construction and retail. He decided to leave his job to help me pursue my dream. Vincent and I came together during the pandemic and remodeled a used food truck to fit our menu. Once we were done, we had to wait a year for permitting due to the pandemic.

Soul Food isn't just food to us; it's our history, our culture, the way our ancestors came together to fellowship. Our goal is to continue to have that in our community, and we need your help.

We've already invested over $60,000 and did not expect the project to be as much as it is. We are just touching the surface and need to raise an additional $100,000.

We are currently working with Community Business Partnership for funding. If approved, that would be $50,000. We've tried traditional banks and were unsuccessful.

As most of you know we've entered into a lease agreement at 17982 Main Street, Dumfries V.A. 22026. We're asking for your help in raising the additional funds needed to complete the project. The funds will be used to complete the build-out of the restaurant and purchase equipment and supplies. The build-out consists of remodeling the bathroom, kitchen, and dining room, making sure the electrical, plumbing, and mechanicals are up to code to open.

Thank you for being part of our journey!

Please check us out on Instagram: Kayscitrinesf, Facebook: Kay's Citrine Soul Food, or Tic Tok: @kayscitrinesf

Kay and Vick!