Today we’d like to introduce you to Cassandra Howard. Them and their team share their story with us below:
Founder/Chef Cassandra Howard aka Sandy Soulfood opened One Luv Cafe ATL in 2019. Ten years after running a successful mobile food delivery service from the trunk of her car. Sandy earned a BS from Buffalo State College and attended Fashion Institute of Technology. A former Fashion Designer in NYC, Sandy’s creative skills allowed her to transition into the culinary world.
“One Luv” is about spreading love….love that’s bestowed upon us from our creator; we consciously love ourselves, then we give love away to others thru sharing, gathering, and uniting.
“Conscience Food” is about eating healthy. We want to inspire people to think about what they put into their bodies and how it affects our community and earth. We love ourselves when we choose to eat right. Food is Medicine, and we can heal our bodies when we eat healthy.
One Luv Cafe ATL is playing a part in reversing disease in our community. Our nutrient rich, holistic, and natural ingredients; some locally sourced produce and organic herbs and spices. Conscious food. Healthy food. Sustainable food.
Located on the west side of Atlanta in Upper Midtown, one of Atlanta’s hottest rising neighborhoods. Our vibrant little cafe with an adorable patio. Customers love our easy self-ordering kiosks, our genuine customer service, and our beautifully prepared fare.
Our Menu is a mash-up of Caribbean, Cajun, and Soulfood. Inspired by the African Heritage Diet; including whole, fresh plant foods, rice, whole grains, meat, poultry, and seafood. We feed vegetarians, Vegans, and meat lovers.
Chef Sandy has Southern American family roots and Jamaican paternal roots. She incorporates the food she loves and grew up with. One Luv Cafe ATL is a Black Owned, Woman Owned business.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The restaurant industry is extremely difficult. It’s not for the timid or faint in heart. It is physically and mentally challenging. It’s probably even harder for a single African American Woman in many ways. The most challenging thing has been creating and sustaining this business concept from scratch. It did not come with an instruction manual of what to do like a franchise does. I just had plans and theories, some that worked and some that did not. Every day I continue to learn through trial and error.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am an artist. I sing. I draw. I design. I decorate. And I cook. I just love all things natural. All Caribbean things, from culture to clothing to food.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
Yes, don’t give up. “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” Trust God! Believe and have faith in God and he will bring us through.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.Oneluvcafeatl.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oneluvcafeatl/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/pages/category/Soul-Food-Restaurant/Onelovecafeatl/posts/
- Yelp: https://m.yelp.com/biz/one-luv-cafe-atl-atlanta
- Other: https://business.google.com/website/one-love-cafe-atl/
