A longtime Seattle soul food institution, Ms. Helen’s Soul Bistro has returned with daughter Jesdarnel Henton at the helm. While the new brick-and-mortar is in the works, Ms. Helen’s Soul Bistro offers catering and pop-up events. In addition to sharing her family’s delicious recipes, Jessi regularly prepares schools for a youth after-school program.
Learn more about Ms. Helen’s Soul Bistro in this week’s business spotlight Q&A!
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
What’s your favorite part about the community your business is in & why?
My favorite part is that this community is creative, resilient, and totally inclusive. This community is the birthplace of SOUL in the city of Seattle and the Great Northwest.
Why is it important to you and your business that people #SpendLikeItMatters?
We need the small businesses to thrive in our to ensure that we sustain ourselves and grow. Spending in the community is vital right now.
As a business owner, what’s the strangest or craziest idea you’ve ever tried?
Opening a Million $+ storefront!!!! And have no idea how it will happen.
BUT I KNOW IT WILL
What’s something your customers may not know about you or your business?
For our new customers, we have been a part of this community for over five decades.
And we are committed to continuing.
What are some of your favorite local businesses and why?
Communion
Earl’s Barber
Jerk Shack
Arte Noir
Anything else you’d like us to know about you and your business?
It’s our desire to see this legacy vision come back to the Seattle Central District now.
We are here to serve our community in the meantime with our Catering and Personal Chef Services, we are here to serve you. Blessings!