For the third year, Nana’s Southern Kitchen restaurant is partnering with several corporate executives and community members to hand out more than 1,500 free meals on Christmas Day at their two restaurants.
With the generosity of corporate executives and community members, Nana’s Southern Kitchen is providing more than 1,500 total meals, at least 750 at both the Kent and Covington Nana’s restaurants. Last year, Nana’s gave out 1,200 meals, and 400 meals in Kent in 2020.
Microsoft Corporate Vice President Dametra Johnson-Marletti led the effort, donating 700 meals. Microsoft Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer Judson Althoff and his wife Laura gave 500 meals, while Johnson Controls Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, Rodney Clark donated 100 meals. Microsoft Vice Presidents Alex Cook and Laura Longcore gave 50 meals each. Additionally, more than 30 individuals and businesses contributed to the effort, donating 1 to 25 meals. Nana’s Southern Kitchen staff is inspired by all of those who contributed whether it was one or 500 meals. Every meal makes a positive impact. Nana’s has also had a dozen volunteers step up to ensure this year’s success. Nana’s is beyond thankful to those who are giving time on Christmas Day.
From 11:00 a.m. -1:00 p.m. Christmas Day, the public can come to Nana’s in Kent or Covington for one free main dish with two sides per person. Staff is asking that everyone bring their patience as they work to serve 1,500 customers.
This is the third year that Nana’s will give free meals to anyone in need. The event continues the welcoming spirit of Nana’s namesake Myrtle Henderson.
Nana’s is named after Nana’s owner Todd Minor’s great-grandmother Myrtle Henderson who was born in Goshen, Virginia and later moved to New Haven, Connecticut. As a mother and grandmother, Myrtle, cooked and served family and friends the same foods you can enjoy today in the restaurant.
“My great grandmother, Nana, used her food to bring people together, teach life lessons and welcomed everyone,” said Minor.
Nana’s Southern Kitchen started as the dream of the Minor family. Despite living on separate coasts, they eventually got everyone together to make it happen. Four generations of the Minor family now live in Kent to support and share their family recipes with the community.
“Service was in my Great-Grandma’s DNA. She made sure everyone always had a full belly whether they were going to work, church, or school,” says Minor. “We do the same, ensuring our customers get exceptional service even while on the go with our takeout meals.”
Nana’s Southern Kitchen serves Southern staples, from a fixed menu, including main dishes of fried chicken, catfish, fried shrimp, and pork chops with sides of potato salad, green beans, mustard or collard greens, cabbage, candied yams, and macaroni and cheese. Both the Kent and Covington restaurants offer indoor dining, takeout and third-party delivery.
