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Kei's Mobile Izakaya: A Mother's Gift of Love

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Help Me Launch Annie Bell’s Mobile Izakaya in Okinawa, JP

Hello, my name is Ms. Kei Parrish & I’m finally ready to step into my dream of becoming an entrepreneur and launching my very own mobile Izakaya — a Japanese-style eatery — called Annie Bell’s.

After raising two amazing sons, Khayree my oldest son & my youngest son Jesse who have never brought me anything but pride and joy, I want to leave behind more than just memories — I want to build generational wealth they can be proud of. This dream is my gift to them and to myself.

The past 8 years haven’t been easy. I’ve weathered a divorce, beat thyroid cancer, and survived a brutal attack not even a year after going into remission. Through it all, I’ve continued working as a hospice nurse aide, walking alongside others as they transition through life’s final chapter. It’s been an honor — and also deeply exhausting, both physically and emotionally. Still, I give my all, living paycheck to paycheck, with unwavering faith and purpose.

But now it’s time for me to advocate for me.

No one else could tell my story quite like I can. If you’ve read this far, I hope you can feel the sincerity in my heart. I’m a humble, well-traveled woman with a deep love for people, culture, and good food. My vision is to bring a taste of American culture and soul food to Japan — to create a space where people can experience things like BBQ ribs, shrimp & grits, and even their very first Thanksgiving feast.

While living in Okinawa, I saw firsthand what it meant to bring comfort and joy through food. Some customers returned a year later just to have my cooking again — and I knew in that moment, this is what I was meant to do. I want to serve our U.S. military overseas, giving them a taste of home while also introducing other cultures to the richness of American cuisine, especially Southern comfort food with vegan options.

Annie Bell’s will operate as a mobile Izakaya during the week, serving small plates, and on weekends will transform into a buffet-style experience — with rotating menus inspired by soul food, Cajun flavors, and Southern classics. Just like the woman I met in Vietnam once told me: “If you can cook, they’ll come back.” She was right — and they did.

I cook with love. I carry recipes passed down from my grandmother, and I have a gift for taking any dish and making it my own. This dream isn’t just about food — it’s about healing, connection, and creating joy.

Why Japan? Because that’s where my heart, health, and peace all align.

If my story moves you, I invite you to help make this wish come true. Every donation brings me closer to launching Annie Bell’s and building something beautiful that gives back to others. And if you ever find yourself in Japan, please come laugh with me, share a meal, and enjoy a drink — on me. You’ll see for yourself that your support made a real difference.

With love and gratitude,
Ms. Kei Parrish

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Donations (3)

  • Anonymous
    • $78
    • 29 d
  • Anonymous
    • $50
    • 1 mo
  • DEANA ZAPATA
    • $25
    • 1 mo
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Organizer

Kei Parrish
Organizer
St. Paul, MN

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