A Memorable Visit: Vice President Stops by Leah and Louise

By Subrina Collier, owner of Leah and Louise

As a small business owner, every day brings its own set of challenges and rewards. But last Thursday was a day unlike any other at our restaurant Leah and Louise. We had the honor of welcoming the Vice President of the United States Kamala Harris, a moment that my team and I will cherish forever.

The visit was a surprise. The day before her arrival five staffers from the Vice President's team came in to gather information and enjoy our Afro-Southern-inspired cuisine. Little did we know, they were paving the way for a very special guest. The next day, about 15 minutes before the Vice President's arrival, her staff informed us of her upcoming visit.

When Vice President Harris arrived, she immediately expressed her admiration for our restaurant. She was interested in our experiences with the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and the Restaurant Revitalization Fund. I shared our story of resilience during COVID, how these programs were lifelines that kept us afloat, enabling us to pivot to curbside service when the pandemic hit – just as we were about to open our doors for the first time. The Vice President was keen to understand how we were managing and what it meant to be entrepreneurs.

Madame Vice President Harris’ warmth and personality shone through during her visit.  She ate our Mud Island dish, a tribute to a part of Memphis, Tennessee, which includes catfish and rice grits, followed by some delicious cobblers. She enjoyed it so much she suggested that my husband, Chef Greg, publish a cookbook!

The visit, though brief, was incredibly meaningful. Madame Vice President Harris took the time to interact with our staff and guests, leaving a lasting impression on all of us. As she departed, we were left with a sense of pride and gratitude – not just for her visit but for the support and recognition from our administration towards small businesses like ours.

This experience was a reminder of the strength and resilience of the small business community. It reinforced the importance of programs like the PPP and the Restaurant Revitalization Fund, which have been crucial in helping businesses like ours navigate unprecedented challenges.

As we continue to serve our community and share our love for Afro-Southern cuisine, we do so with renewed vigor and optimism, inspired by the Vice President's visit and the ongoing support for small businesses across the country.