Today we’d like to introduce you to Patrice Singletary.
Hi Patrice , we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Nannie Mae’s Kitchen: Comfort Food Made With Purpose
Some people inherit recipes. I inherited resilience.
My story begins with tragedy, but it is also a story of love, survival, and legacy. When I was just eight years old, my world changed forever. My mother, a young woman full of talent and potential, lost her battle with the struggles that had taken her down a difficult path. On September 3, 1978, she took her own life while holding me in her arms.
In an instant, childhood became something different. Fear, confusion, and loss became emotions I carried far too young. But God placed an angel in my life named Nannie Mae.
My grandmother became my protector, my teacher, and my safe place. She wrapped her arms around me and showed me what strength looked like. She didn’t just raise me—she saved me.
Growing up, food was at the center of everything. We had a garden where fresh vegetables were grown with hard work and patience. My grandmother hunted wild game, preserved food, and somehow transformed the simplest ingredients into meals that could feed a family and warm a soul.
Nannie Mae was the definition of resourcefulness. She could make something out of nothing. A pot of greens wasn’t just dinner—it was love. Cornbread wasn’t just bread—it was comfort. Every meal carried a lesson about responsibility, gratitude, and perseverance.
Standing beside her in the kitchen, I learned more than cooking techniques. I learned womanhood. I learned discipline. I learned that feeding people is one of the purest ways to show love.
Most importantly, Nannie Mae taught me never to give up. She taught me that having a big heart is both a blessing and a challenge. Life will test your spirit. People will disappoint you. Circumstances will try to break you. But she always reminded me to stay true to myself, no matter what.
Cooking became my refuge. When life felt overwhelming, the kitchen gave me focus. The smells, the preparation, and the gathering around a table reminded me that even after loss, life could still be beautiful.
The name Nannie Mae’s Kitchen was born when I was 23 years old. At the time, I didn’t speak much about it. I simply knew there could never be another name. Everything I had learned about food, family, sacrifice, and perseverance came from the woman who raised me. Naming my business after her wasn’t a marketing decision—it was a promise to carry her legacy forward.
More than 25 years ago, I started selling plates. What began as a way to share my food has grown into something much bigger. Today, I sell weekly dinners, cater special events, and proudly serve the Baltimore community. Over the years, my customers have become more than customers—they have become an extension of my family.
One of the greatest rewards is seeing the impact my food still has on people. There is no greater feeling than watching someone take a bite and instantly be reminded of home, family, childhood memories, or a loved one they miss. Food has a way of connecting us to the people and moments that matter most.
Today, Nannie Mae’s Kitchen is more than a business. It is a tribute to the woman who poured everything she had into raising me. Every plate I serve carries a piece of her legacy. Every recipe reflects the lessons she taught me. Every customer who walks through my door becomes part of a story that began generations ago.
When people ask what makes my food special, the answer is simple: it’s not just seasoning. It’s history. It’s faith. It’s survival. It’s family.
“Comfort Food Made With Purpose” is more than a slogan—it’s the way I live. Every meal is prepared with intention, love, and respect for the people who will gather around it. It is my way of honoring Nannie Mae and sharing her spirit with the world.
Her hands may no longer be here, but her influence is present in every meal I create. And if you ever have the opportunity to sit down at my table, one bite and you’ll understand.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The journey has not been easy. Building Nannie Mae’s Kitchen required more than a passion for cooking. It meant investing in a commercial kitchen, purchasing equipment, obtaining licenses and permits, learning marketing, and carrying the ever-increasing cost of doing business. There have been countless long days, sleepless nights, and moments of uncertainty. Food costs rise, expenses add up, and the pressure to maintain quality never goes away. But one thing I refuse to do is cut corners. Every customer who spends their hard-earned money with me deserves a meal prepared with care, quality ingredients, and the same love that Nannie Mae put into every meal she served. My name and my grandmother’s legacy are attached to every plate, and that responsibility means everything to me.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My journey in food service spans more than 38 years in the fast-food industry. Those years taught me invaluable lessons about leadership, customer service, consistency, operations, and what it truly takes to run a successful business. Every position I held and every challenge I faced helped prepare me for the day I would build a brand of my own.
Success, to me, has never been measured solely by sales or profits. My greatest reward has been the opportunity to serve and support the communities where I have lived and worked. Food has always been my way of bringing people together, creating memories, and showing love. Whether serving a weekly dinner, catering a special event, or preparing a meal for someone in need, I believe every plate has the power to make a difference.
The relationships I have built over the years are what I treasure most. Many customers who first supported me decades ago still support me today. They are more than customers—they are family. Their loyalty, encouragement, and belief in my vision have helped make Nannie Mae’s Kitchen what it is today.
What are your plans for the future?
While I am proud of how far Nannie Mae’s Kitchen has come, I believe the best is still ahead. My dream has always been bigger than selling meals. My goal is to have a food truck and a permanent location where people can gather, eat, and experience the love and tradition behind every recipe.
Every plate sold brings me one step closer to that vision. Every catering event, every returning customer, and every word-of-mouth recommendation helps build the future of Nannie Mae’s Kitchen. My desire is to create a soul food experience that is recognized not only throughout Baltimore but beyond. I want to be able to pull up in your neighborhood, serve the community, and continue bringing people together through great food and genuine hospitality.
This journey has never been just about me. It has always been about honoring the woman who taught me everything I know. When the day comes that Nannie Mae’s Kitchen has a thriving food truck, a permanent home, and a legacy that continues for generations, I won’t say that I did it.
I’ll say, “Nannie Mae did it.”
Because every lesson, every sacrifice, every recipe, and every success started with her.
Contact Info:
- Website: nanniemaeskitchen@yahoo.com
- Instagram: nanniemaeskitchen
- Facebook: nanniemaeskitchen
