Breaking Bread: When ‘Customers’ Become Phamily
by Tenesha Green | WeINSPIRE Reporter
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — In March of 2017 Charles and Imani Prince made the decision to pack up their D.C. home and travelled 3,662 miles to their new home in London, England where a new job awaited Charles. The decision to move to a new city, and an entirely new continent wasn’t easy, but after discussing the pros and cons the two decided it was the right move for their family.
The Prince Family. Photo Courtesy of Imani Prince
Growing up, Imani Prince had been surrounded by women who loved to cook. Talented cooks around her, Imani would be the first to acknowledge cooking was never her thing growing up.
When the Prince family moved to London, there were many adjustments to be made and though Imani found establishments with American soul food, she found the quality to be inconsistent. After many attempts, she decided it was time to venture out onto a self-taught cooking journey. After all, she hailed from a family of cooks.
“I just started cooking in the house because I wasn’t seeing options available for me in London,” Imani said. “I also knew no one but my husband and son. Cooking was my outlet to destress and have some type of normalcy.”
Native Londoners do not celebrate Thanksgiving and last November, the Prince family as well as the family of another friend, found themselves readying to host their extended families for the holiday. The two families decided to join forces and rented out their church hall, a space big enough for everyone.
Word got around and Imani found herself cooking for the masses. It was a delicious success and Imani’s Pastor asked the Princes to partner with the church. Their love for food could bring everyone together while contributing to the outreach of the church. They agreed to the arrangements and donated half the proceeds made in sales to the church. Their proceeds support the Nehemiah Project. The Nehemiah Project is the church’s Israel international mission initiative.
Smoked Salmon & Cucumber Bites. Photo Courtesy of Imani Prince
“The Nehemiah Project... support[s] a children’s home and women’s shelter in Israel,” Imani shared. “One of the organizations support women through their pregnancies. Even though the organization is pro-life, they ensure that all women have a proper place to live and provide either for themselves or for their new family members. Our donation provides clothing, pampers, formula, and shelter for women to stay for the first year of her child’s life or if she decides to have an abortion.”
Since that amazing experience, Imani and Charles decided to pursue a business out of cooking together. On July 23rd, 2019, the duo decided on The Prince Phamily Kitchen as the perfect name for their business.
Imani Prince. Photo Courtesy of Imani Prince
“Our goal is to bridge American southern cuisine with the London community,” Imani said.
The strategic and creative choice to spell ‘family’ with a ‘ph’ has helped the business stand out. Charles Prince, a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., used the unofficial prefix commonly used by his fraternity.
Charles Prince. Photo Courtesy of Imani Prince
The Prince Phamily Kitchen is continuing the tradition of giving back and this year is partnering up with homeless outreach services in London. Half of their proceeds from the Thanksgiving dinner will go into supporting a December event to bring much needed support to those facing homelessness.
“We’re doing a one day pop up shop where those that are homeless can come in and be screened by a dentist, get a haircut, get some food, and pick up new clothes,” Imani said.
Macaroni and Cheese dish made by the Prince Phamily. Photo Courtesy of the Prince Phamily Kitchen Instagram
Cornbread is the business’ number one seller in London. If they get a large order for cornbread they will bring in one other person to help but everything else is done solely by the Princes.
Cornbread Poppers made by the Prince Phamily. Photo Courtesy of Imani Prince
“It’s a real family that does all the cooking,” Imani said. We do it out of love for our family, we don’t usually say customers, because oftentimes food is what brings people together. We want to break down walls and help people try things that they wouldn’t usually. Cooking has brought a sense of community and love into our home.”
