San Mateo SBDC
Jonathan’s Fish & Chips
“Starting Jonathan’s Fish & Chips was one of the biggest leaps I ever took. 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.” — Phyllis Cooksey, Owner of Jonathan’s Fish & Chips
About Business
Jonathan’s Fish & Chips is a mobile food business owned and operated by Ms. Phyllis Cooksey, offering fresh fish and chips, Creole-inspired dishes, and other seafood plates. After many years as a brick-and-mortar restaurant, the business now operates as a food truck, serving events, festivals, and community gatherings across the Bay Area.
Ms. Phyllis started Jonathan’s Fish & Chips in 1994 after seeing potential in a vacant space in Menlo Park. As a single mother raising her son, she juggled running the restaurant during the day while working a construction job in the late afternoons and evenings. Her passion for cooking and her commitment to creating a better future for her family and community fueled her every step of the way.
Challenge
The transition from a storefront to a food truck was unexpected and difficult, but Ms. Phyllis pushed through. As the pandemic unfolded, new challenges emerged, including rising business costs, limited event opportunities, and the strain of operating with an aging truck that made it hard to travel to larger festivals. She needed support to stabilize and grow the business.
Gameplan
The most impactful support was helping Ms. Phyllis prepare for and secure funding for a new food truck. Through one-on-one advising, financial readiness planning, and lender connections, the SBDC helped her navigate her next stage of growth with greater stability and confidence.
Results
With advising and technical assistance from the San Mateo SBDC, Ms. Phyllis was able to secure funding for a new food truck, strengthen her financial planning, and reposition her business for growth. The investment has expanded her ability to reach new customers and continue building on her legacy in the community.
