Jonathan’s Fish & Chips was founded in 1994 by Phyllis Fontenot Cooksey, a longtime East Palo Alto community member and icon. Named after her son, Jonathan’s began as a modest three-seat fish and chips restaurant located on Willow Road. Its location positioned her to serve both East Palo Alto and Menlo Park, and many of her most faithful clients were longtime friends and community members from across both cities. The restaurant quickly grew into a beloved institution known for its Southern-style seafood, generous portions, and welcoming spirit.

Phyllis was born and raised in Lake Charles, Louisiana, where she learned to cook from her mother, Miss Leanna, a gifted Creole baker, along with her four sisters. In 1967, at just 12 years old, Phyllis and her mother moved to East Palo Alto, where she later graduated from Ravenswood High School. She brought with her a deep love for Southern food and a work ethic that would define her path. Over the years, Phyllis worked in construction, specialized in concrete sawing, and helped build several BART stations—including the one in Millbrae. Her final construction job was on the Salesforce Tower, a monumental building that stands 66 stories tall. She also served with Cal/OSHA for two decades, coached youth basketball, and mentored food entrepreneurs near and far throughout her career, always lifting others as she climbed.

Phyllis raised her son as a single mother for most of his childhood. The restaurant was more than just a source of pride—it was how she provided for her family. Through her tireless work, she supported her son’s path to UC Berkeley, a milestone that speaks to her strength and devotion as both a mother and business owner.

Later in life, Phyllis met and married Reverend Johnny Ray Cooksey, a skilled stone mason and the pastor of True Light Missionary Baptist Church in East Palo Alto, where he served faithfully for 39 years. Together, they continued to build community and live out their shared values of faith, service, and care for others.

Jonathan’s Fish & Chips became a neighborhood anchor, offering fried catfish, hush puppies, peach cobbler, and hospitality that felt like home. After 25 years in operation, Phyllis made the bold choice to close the brick-and-mortar restaurant and pivot to a food truck. The transition came just months before the COVID-19 pandemic began, allowing her to continue serving the community through an incredibly challenging time. The food truck found its new home on Bay Road in East Palo Alto, right in the heart of the community where her story continues.

As Phyllis celebrates her 70th birthday this year and launches a brand-new food truck, made possible through her partnership with Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center and Working Solutions CDFI, we honor her three decades in business and a legacy rooted in faith, family, perseverance, and community.