Rebuild A Taste of Ida Mae's Kitchen

It is with a heavy heart that I share the painful reality of what’s happened to A Taste of Ida Mae’s Kitchen & Catering. My food truck trailer, which was located on Kenmore Blvd and Greenwood on the west side of Akron, was destroyed in an apparent act of arson. To the people who thought they could break me: I am a single father, a hardworking entrepreneur, and a proud member of this Akron community, just trying to build something special for my family and for all of you.

Normally, I’d take this loss in silence, but I can’t keep ignoring my customers. To the ones I didn’t get back to, I apologize. I’m hurting. I still can’t wrap my head around it. For years, I’ve worked hard to serve my community, and giving back is what we do. We’ve fed the homeless with love and compassion, and this year, we had planned to do the same for Thanksgiving — to give back to those in need. Your actions have hurt not only me but the people I was trying to help. But let this be clear: you can try to destroy my truck, but you will never destroy my spirit. I’ve come too far, fought too hard, and built too much to let this stop me.

It pains me to say this, but I am accepting donations to help rebuild. Every bit of support from my customers and community will help me get back on my feet. I’ve always been about love, family, and good food, and that’s exactly what I’ll continue to bring — stronger than ever.

So to those who did this: you may have set me back, but you’ve also sparked a fire inside of me to rise higher. I will come back bigger and better, and I’ll continue to serve my Akron community with pride, love, and a heart for those who need it most.

Thank you to everyone who has supported me with love, prayers, and donations. I can’t wait to be back, sharing the flavors you know and love from A Taste of Ida Mae’s Kitchen & Catering — and giving back to Akron like we always have.

With love and determination,

A Taste of Ida Mae’s Kitchen & Catering