This year, continuing a 14-year tradition, the Park Forest Business Person of the Year Award has been presented to a local business owner who has demonstrated exceptional dedication to the community. The award recognizes individuals who have generously contributed their time, effort, compassion, passion, drive, or skills to positively impact agencies, organizations, individuals, or schools, displaying an unwavering commitment to making a difference.
Ms. Fershawnda Green, the operator of Poppin Plates, was honored with this recognition. Her diverse background, which includes experience as an Assistant Chef at a well-recognized cruise line, manager of a regional Italian restaurant, and operating her own catering business from a commercial kitchen, has contributed to her success. In addition to her culinary ventures, Ms. Green also assists others in obtaining their ServSafe® Manager certificates.
Since opening Poppin Plates at 64 Lester, the incubator has supported numerous businesses. Forty-six businesses have utilized the space, with twenty-six still in operation. The article highlights the success of Dulce by Dori, which began at Poppin Plates and has since established a brick-and-mortar store, and mentions the upcoming openings of All Out Smoke Pit and Buttery Soul Food and Bakery. Ms. Green also manages an industrial kitchen at 343 Main Street, where packaged products are made, and a venue at the same address, hosting pop-up restaurants and partnering with John Ruffin’s Theater 47 to offer prix fixe meals before theater productions.
Beyond her business endeavors, Fershawnda Green is actively involved in several community initiatives:
- She is a co-founder of Feeding the Future, a workforce development program in partnership with Davenport Community Development and the University of Chicago, providing culinary and soft skills training to students. The nonprofit also hosts annual galas to support this program.
- Ms. Green speaks at High School District 227 about entrepreneurship.
- She collaborates with the Illinois Small Business Development Center.
- Ms. Green has assisted several Church Pastors in affordably equipping their church kitchens.
- During the Covid-19 pandemic, she hired laid-off workers to provide them with employment opportunities.
- She has received grants from the South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association through the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.
The article also notes that Ms. Green received the Chicago Defender Women of Excellence award in the spring of 2023. The article concludes by emphasizing Ms. Green’s significant positive impact on the Park Forest community.
Poppin Plates Culinary Incubator is located at 64 Lester or 343 Main Street, and can be reached at (708) 941-1708.
