A lot of the joy that most of our community feels daily, revolves around the foods we consume. I’m sure you can quickly think of a story about a fun time in your life that happened before, during, or after a good meal, if I asked for one.

Historically, we had to get resourceful about how we fed ourselves. Our ancestors were forced to make due with the scraps of their slave masters.

Good snacks and meals, for black families, have evolved into a requirement at any memorable celebration or gathering.

Food is really THAT serious!

Like, nobody is going to attend a function, if the food isn’t known to be good, if the chef is known to be unclean or inexperienced, or if there is no plan for food at all.

And.. if people DO attend, they will not be sticking around there long.

I think our ancestors would be proud to see all the thriving black owned catering, food truck, and restaurant businesses operating in America today.

Because food is so important to the black community and there are an abundance of black owned food businesses in Phoenix, Arizona, they deserve to be highlighted when talking “buy black”.

I believe we should turn to our own, first, when in search of food. Especially if the option is there.

Doing the opposite is like choosing a work potluck over a family picnic. Risky.

I caught up with Patience Titcombe the owner of Lasgidi Cafe to learn more about her business.

Dark Phx 5

Question 1: Who are you? & Tell me about your business…

Patience: “Lasgidi cafe is a food production company in Phoenix, Az. We began catering small parties and events in 2016.

Since 2018, our business has expanded to including cooking classes, dining experiences, products, and our food truck!

We’re proud to be mobile so we visit all parts of the valley- visit our website for our latest pop up locations.“

I popped over to the Lasgidi Cafe website to check it out.

Upon visiting, I’d say visitors of all tech experience can find out how to contact or locate the food truck, more information about Patience, a.k.a Chef Patty, and find visuals for the menu items.

I can’t wait to drop in on you for a taste at one of the food truck outings. I need to get my hands on one of everything on the menu, starting with the jollof rice.

Question 2: How did you get started?

Patience: “We got started on a needs basis.

I needed Nigerian food and couldn’t find anywhere else to get it, haha.

Started cooking for friends and others per request and eventually continued to scale.”

Wow! That’s remarkable.

I’ve always learned to be successful longterm in business to look for a common problem or need in people and find the solution.

& that’s literally what you did!

You were able to turn your personal need for Nigerian cuisine into a thriving food production company in Phoenix, Arizona because there’s an audience here that also shares your need.

Question 3: Where do you see Lasgidi Cafe in the next 5 years?

Patience: “In 5 years, I don’t know to be honest.

Not much of a planner, but I know I’ll still be in the business of good food. Maybe a brick and mortar or multiple trucks…”

A brick and mortar or additional food trucks seem like the logical next steps when we’re talking scaling in the food industry.

That or the wholesale production of your menu items to be sold in grocery and convenience stores.

It’s been exciting to see your growth to date and I look forward to what’s to come.

Question 4: What keeps you going when times get hard?

Patience: “I’ve come to far to quit, that perseverance keeps me going.”

I can understand that!

I also find trackable progression to be quite motivating in trying times. It’s something, highly inspiring about being about to confirm, all your hard work has been paying off. Even in the slightest bit.

I try to remind myself to trust the process and enjoy the journey.

Question 5: What are 4 words you would use to describe you?

Patience: “Tenacious. Vibrant. Patience (haha). Anxious.”

In other words, by definition, you are persisting in existence, full of energy, tolerant of trouble, and tend to experience worry or uneasy.

Quite the combination.

I’ll tell you one thing, your vibrance is what shines through the social media account the most.

Catch up with the Lasgidi Cafe’s Nigerian Cuisine food truck, starting August 24th. If that’s too long of a wait, book a cooking class with Chef Patty.

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