Young entrepreneurs give back to community
Two young African-American entrepreneurs came together June 30 to provide a full meal for residents throughout the community on a beautiful Saturday afternoon in Lewes.
Shayne E. Brittingham is the owner of Lawn and Order Lawncare. He was born and raised in Rehoboth and is just 17 years old. His cousin BJ Rushin, owner of Rushin Soul Snatching Foods, LLC is 22 and from Lewes. The two decided to partner up for a nonprofit giveaway of over 250 platters of food for the public.
“Giving back to the community where we are from is so important and want to help raise awareness that there are young African-Americans throughout our area who are contributing positive influence. We realize that unfortunately there is a negative stereotype associated with young black males, but we know that this, like any stereotype, is never the whole side of the story,” said Brittingham.
Both Brittingham and Rushin began food preparation at 5 a.m., bringing out industrial size smokers and grills to share a taste of BJ’s culinary skills with the public. Joined by family and friends, everyone was lending a hand as Shayne and BJ manned the grill and prepared platters, including offerings from Rushin Soul Snatching Foods such as BBQ chicken, macaroni and cheese, potato salad, greens, freshly baked rolls and cornbread. Not only were both young men able to showcase their talent for cooking, but more importantly spread a message of hope and positivity with every platter handed out at no charge.
“I have always had a passion for cooking, and there is no better feeling than being able to do something you love while extending a helpful hand to those in our community. We hope that this collaborative effort will not only help the younger generation see that if you have a passion for something to go after it, and certainly we would like to see other businesses start or continue making contributions to our area. Both Shayne and I could not be happier to be in the position to do something like this,” said Rushin.
Even though Brittingham started his lawn care business this April (specializing in landscaping, mulch, lawn maintenance and much more) and Rushin who began in January (specializing in a wide variety of platters and catering); they already have made it apparent how much the area that they come from means to them and all the people in it.
“We hope to be able to hold more events like this throughout the year because we care so much about everyone in our community. Positivity is contagious, and we hope to spread that message of love as we keep our faith in God for granting us this opportunity. It is truly a blessing, and we both know that if we continue our hard work we will continue to grow our businesses and presence in the community,” said Brittingham.
Not only were people driving by on Route 9 between Lewes and Georgetown, stopping for food, it was important to both men to prepare platters for those who could not make it out no matter what their situation was. A car was loaded full of platters to deliver to low income areas and local businesses.
Lawn and Order Lawncare and Rushin Soul Snatching Foods, LLC have both seen tremendous growth in the months they have been in business. Brittingham hopes to continue to expand his client base while offering a “do it all” business attitude as Rushin plans to have a food trailer soon to be able to travel around to different areas and set up shop.
“Our family and friends have always been there for us, so we both want to thank them whole-heartedly for their support and knowledge. A man’s hands are his best tools,” added Brittingham.
“Today was an absolute success, and we were able to experience it with the people who have helped us along the way and a community that means so much to us,” said Rushin.
For more information on Lawn and Order Lawncare and their services, contact Brittingham at 302-249-8714. To learn more about Rushin Soul Snatching Foods, LLC visit https://www.facebook.com/RushinSoulSnatchingFoods/ or contact Rushin at 302-567-7831.
