Cafe 25a: The Dream American-Inspired Restaurant by Brentwood Couple
Cafe 25a, a new American-inspired restaurant, recently opened its doors on Ongar Road in Brentwood. The owners, Jeyda Johnson and her husband James, have turned their dream of owning a restaurant into a reality.
The Journey Begins
The journey to opening Cafe 25a started four years ago when Jeyda and James launched a food truck business called The Brentwood Food Truck during lockdown. The idea stemmed from their passion for food and a desire to share their culinary creations with the community.
Jeyda reminisced, saying, “At the time we thought it would be a good idea to start a food company, so we purchased our food truck. It kicked off and was a great success. We were mainly doing events and catering for various occasions.”
Their business quickly gained traction, leading them to book events for popular TV shows like The Only Way Is Essex (Towie) and cater for Love Islanders’ birthdays. They even had discussions with Lakeside Shopping Centre in West Thurrock to set up shop in the food court.
Challenges and Resilience
However, their success hit a roadblock when Jeyda fell seriously ill during her pregnancy. Despite the setback, the couple remained determined to revive their business. Years later, they found the perfect opportunity to re-enter the food industry.
Jeyda explained, “We’ve been talking about getting back into it over the years, but finding a suitable premises was challenging. Now that we’ve started again, it feels like we never stopped. The response has been overwhelming, and we’re grateful for the support.”
American-Inspired Cuisine
Cafe 25a offers a menu filled with American-inspired dishes such as mac n cheese, buffalo flavors, and homemade sauces. Jeyda’s upbringing in a family of restaurant owners and her early culinary experiences influenced the restaurant’s offerings.
Jeyda shared, “It’s always been my dream to have a restaurant and cafe. Cooking has been a passion of mine since I was a child, and I’m thrilled to share that love through our food. Brentwood lacked a restaurant like ours, and we’re grateful for the community’s support.”
A Dream Come True
The official opening of Cafe 25a on September 9 marked a significant milestone for Jeyda and James. Their hard work and dedication have paid off, and they are excited to see their dream come to fruition.
Jeyda expressed her gratitude, saying, “We’re just really appreciative of everyone who has supported us from the beginning. It’s fulfilling to know that we’ve finally achieved our goal of owning a restaurant and spreading our love for food.”
In Conclusion
Cafe 25a is more than just a restaurant; it’s a testament to Jeyda and James’ perseverance and passion for food. With a menu filled with delicious American-inspired dishes and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, Cafe 25a is set to become a beloved culinary destination in Brentwood. Visit Cafe 25a today to experience a taste of the American dream right in the heart of Essex.