Chef Trey Lamont, the owner of Jerk Shack Kitchen and host of the new series Food with Melanin, recently interviewed Chef Erika White at her restaurant, Fats Chicken and Waffles in the Central District. In the first installment of the series airing in 2026, the chefs talked about Fat’s historic location and significance as a Black-owned restaurant bringing Southern soul to the Pacific Northwest. 

Chef Trey explained that the physical space of Fat’s Chicken and Waffles has been a beacon for the community in Seattle since before he was born. White reflected on the space's long history, sharing that she felt a sense of history and love for the building after her nearly decade-long tenure in the Central District. She took pride in having the honor to make the space her own while serving her take on classic soul food to the supportive Central District community.

Now celebrating nearly ten years in the space, White highlighted her mission to have a positive community impact and hiring former young customers looking for employment. As long as she is making people feel at home and upholding the history of the location to its highest standard, she feels like she’s succeeding. 

Check out Fat’s menu at fatschickenandwaffles.com, and stop by 2726 E Cherry St, Seattle Wednesday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and then again from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Learn more about Jerk Shack Kitchen at jerkshackseattle.com, and visit 1133 24th Ave Suite N, Seattle Monday, and Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Look out for the full series in early 2026, and check in with Converge for more details.

Catch Back2Besa every Saturday at 10:30 p.m. on FOX 13 Seattle and Sundays at 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. on FOX 13+. Viewers can also stream episodes anytime on the FOX Local app.

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