San Angelo's Tossed is closing, here's an interview with the person taking its place
Alana EdginSAN ANGELO — After two years of offering San Angelo a fresh food alternative, Tossed announced it would close and a new food business would take its place.
Tossed, a Florida-based restaurant chain, opened its first Texas location in San Angelo in February 2019. Despite a great team and loyal customers, said franchisee Kevin Kent, who announced the location's last day would be April 17, 2021.
"I think we filled a niche in the community, but there wasn't enough people, and the pandemic played a part," Kent said. "We had loyal clientele, a great team and great staff. We're sad to see Tossed go, but we're excited to see what's going in."
More:Everything you need to know about the 2021 San Angelo rodeo and carnival
The Plated Dish is set to take over the space at 2005 Knickerbocker Road. It will be a catering and restaurant business owned by Nicole McDuffie, who worked at Chip and Joanna Gaines' restaurants in Waco.
"I've used her catering and she's super talented," Kent said.
Waco woman brings Chip and Joanna Gaines experience to San Angelo tables
Opening her catering business in San Angelo is a bit of a homecoming for McDuffie, whose family goes back seven generations in Sonora. She recently returned to the area from Waco, where she gained experience at the Magnolia, a business owned by Chip and Joanna Gaines.
McDuffie joined the Magnolia staff to assist with starting the bakery, but she stayed on to help open the restaurant and coffee shop, and help develop cookbooks and retail goods.
More:Stango's Coffee Shop in San Angelo announces it is closing
"It was long hours ... but it taught me so many valuable things, most importantly how to be a good leader and how important it is to love what you do," McDuffie said.
McDuffie grew up watching her mother in the kitchen and would pretend to be on cooking shows. When she turned 14, she got her start in the restaurant industry as a waitress. While working at a tea room in college, the freshly baked goods ignited her interest in the kitchen and led her to attend culinary school.
"What I love most about what I do is the fellowship it brings when we gather around the table," McDuffie said. "Food is a universal language. It’s how we care for one another, and that sense of comfort and joy is what I seek to bring to all that I serve."
McDuffie hopes to expand her catering service to offer cooking classes for all ages, "supper clubs," a venue for special events, and eventually a "small daily chef driven menu." McDuffie will also use the space to develop her next cookbook.
"It feels amazing to be back out home, and I can’t think of anywhere else I’d want to open my own shop," McDuffie said.
There is not an opening date, though McDuffie hopes to move in and start preparing the space within the next month. People can follow The Plated Dish on their website, Facebook or Instagram.
Alana Edgin is a journalist covering Crime and Courts in West Texas. Send her a news tip at aedgin@gannett.com.