Success Story: Jonathan’s Fish & Chips

Legacy on Wheels: How Ms. Phyllis Took Her Legendary Fish & Chips on the Road

Location: Northern California | San Mateo County | East Palo Alto

Business Type: Food Truck

CalOSBA Partners: The San Mateo SBDC and the Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center 

Assistance Received: Business advising and access to capital

Visit Jonathan’s Fish and Chips online

For decades, Ms. Phyllis has been known across the Bay Area for her mouthwatering fish and chips and Creole-inspired cuisine. But beyond her signature dishes, her drive and dedication to her craft have made Jonathan’s Fish & Chips a beloved name in the community.

Her journey began in 1994 when she saw potential in a vacant space on Willow Road. She took a leap of faith, opening Jonathan’s Fish & Chips and quickly building a loyal following. From local fans to well-known figures like the 49ers and Grammy-winner H.E.R., Ms. Phyllis’s cooking became a local staple.

In 2020, when a lease challenge forced her to rethink her business model, she pivoted—taking Jonathan’s Fish & Chips on the road with a food truck. The transition came with new challenges, from navigating permits to adapting to mobile operations. Friends repeatedly recommended she connect with the Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center, and she took it as a sign to seek support. Renaissance was there to guide her through the transition, helping her navigate the complexities of launching a food truck business.

This past year, Ms. Phyllis took a moment to look ahead, having navigated the pandemic, the shift from a storefront to a food truck, and the challenges of running a business amid rising costs. Despite it all, demand for her food continued growing, with requests pouring in for events and festivals nearby. She realized that to meet these demands and sustain her legacy, she needed a more reliable truck and a refreshed brand that reflected her 30+ years in business and her unwavering commitment to “always fresh” ingredients and service.

Once again, Ms. Phyllis turned to Renaissance, this time partnering with both Renaissance and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to secure funding for a new truck. With their support, she successfully obtained capital and is ready to embark on the next chapter of Jonathan’s Fish & Chips—operating from a new truck with updated branding while staying true to her lifelong commitment to great food and community.

“Starting Jonathan’s Fish & Chips was one of the biggest leaps I ever took.,” said Ms. Phyliss. “Transitioning to a food truck wasn’t part of the plan, and it wasn’t easy. After the pandemic hit and challenges kept coming, the San Mateo SBDC was there to help me figure out my next steps and keep moving forward.”

Her vision remains firm: to bring her food to more communities and continue “changing the world, one meal at a time.”

If you’re in the San Mateo area and interested in starting a business, or making a business transition like Ms. Phyliss, reach out to the San Mateo SBDC. And if you’re looking for services throughout the Bay Area, connect with Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center today.

[June, 2025]