VERSAILLES, Ky. — A restaurant in Versailles is paying it forward to help prevent food insecurity for the residents of Woodford County. It’s also leading the way in diversity in their kitchen.
Executive chef Jakeeta Sydney makes soups, sandwiches, burgers and more at The Spark Cafe. Helping her bring exciting dishes to life are a group of women chefs and servers.
The all-woman staff lead this “pay-it-forward” restaurant.
“Like you’re home when you come here. You sit down to eat like you’re at home. It’s comfort food. You know, the food is made with love. And you know, you can get consistency and quality every time.” Sydney said.
Spark is a community cafe created by a Woodford County teacher Kyle Fannon in 2019. It has since taken off, serving over 60,000 meals. The cafe also serves up to 15 meals a day to those who need it.
Annabell Nagel, co-executive director and general manager said, “Special place because we’re one of three restaurants like this in Kentucky. We’re the only one really in the Bluegrass region of the state where you can come in and get a farm, fresh, locally sourced meal regardless of your ability to pay.”
Nagle says they recently transitioned to the women-led staff last year.
“About October of last year, we had our first major personnel change here at the cafe since we opened. So we had gone almost five years with the same staff.” Nagel said.
Nagel added the cafe has always shined a light on inclusion and supported a close-knit community.
“We have people, all colors, all ages, all everything here. We’re a pretty diverse group. I just think it’s something that I don’t know, it’s something that other people can look at and be like, all these people, whether they don’t agree politically or just come from different backgrounds, we all are just a big family.” Nagel said.
It’s why Sydney said she is motivated and feels camaraderie every day among those she works with.
“Having females run the front in the back, just run the whole restaurant. I think there’s something special in itself, you know, because like I said, it’s a whole bunch of women.” Sydney added, “And for a bunch of women to work together and to help each other out and support each other, that’s just, you know, that’s the greatest compliment by itself.”
Spark Cafe has also donated nearly $50,000 to local groups and people affected by food insecurity.