Leeds businesswomen bounce back after Covid destroyed their livelihoods

Two mums whose mobile catering businesses were decimated by Covid have thanked a Leeds community for helping make their new joint business venture a success.
Chantelle Davis (left)  and Hayley Reynolds.

Photo: Jonathan GawthorpeChantelle Davis (left)  and Hayley Reynolds.

Photo: Jonathan Gawthorpe
Chantelle Davis (left) and Hayley Reynolds. Photo: Jonathan Gawthorpe

Entrepreneurs Chantelle Davis and Hayley Reynolds lost their incomes when the pandemic wiped out all the events they planned in 2020.

The two friends say the community's support for their Big Phillies drive-thru in Cross Green has "restored their sense of pride."

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Big Phillies - which is billed as a drive-thru 'good mood food' experience - has proved a major success and is set to go on the road from today. (Sat March 20).

Chantelle Davis and Hayley ReynoldsChantelle Davis and Hayley Reynolds
Chantelle Davis and Hayley Reynolds

Big Phillies pop-up drive-thru will be in the car park at the Halfway House pub on Leeds and Bradford Road, Stanningley, Pudsey, from 4pm to 8.30pm.

Mum of one Chantelle, of Meanwood, ran a street food mobile catering business for more than 10 years.

She travelled to music festivals across the UK and regularly met up with Prosecco van owner Hayley, of Headingley.

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They both had work lined up filing their diaries for 2020, but when the Covid pandemic struck everything was cancelled.

Chantelle launched Big Phillies Drive-Thru last November and Hayley stepped in later to help get the new business off the ground.

Mum of three Hayley, 41, said: “In what has been a challenging time both at home and business, It has really given us something to focus on and has given us our sense of pride back.

“When we look back at how far we have come - from having no work in September to where we are now - we are really proud of what we have achieved."

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“Hayley, a former events manager, added: "And we are humbled by the support that people have given us. It has been a very positive experience.”

Chantelle, who started her mobile catering business in 2010, said: "Big Phillies already has a loyal customer base.

"Once people get a taste of our good mood food they will come back for more.

"The menu consists of Philly cheese steaks, Caribbean food, Greek street food and fresh donuts.

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"The support we get from the Leeds community and beyond is amazing."

Chantelle, who is originally from Little London, Leeds, is a former freelance writer and was the director of her own community based theatre company called ‘LS7 Results.’

Chantelle said Big Phillies is looking for pubs and venues in Leeds and across West Yorkshire to get in touch via email at [email protected] to offer future locations for future pop up events.

Big Phillies is at 5 Green Cross Lane, Leeds, LS9 8LJ.

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