Elijah’s Bakery Downtown: A Place you Can Taste and Feel!
By M. Todd Manuel
FWIS Contributing Writer
He has the fame of the Southeast, a recognition many in our community are familiar with. When I stepped into his place of business, I knew I had known him at some point or had seen him somewhere, but I couldn't place it. Suddenly I remembered, the man in the three-piece suit with the smile selling newspapers, water, and pies on the corner of Petit and Anthony. It was a subtle but very consistent part of my childhood; every summer, I could expect to see him smiling and walking with a classic clean walk as he fearlessly wove between cars engaging the community with information—News—and baked goods. Feeling the environment's peace at Elijah's Bakery now made sense: the same welcoming attitude and positive engagement filled the restaurant with an aroma of love and pride.
I had a chance to speak with the owner of Elijah's Bakery and the man that became known in my head as the "guy in the suit" when I was a child. Though it was my first time meeting Kevin, I felt like I had known him my entire life, and both were true. Kevin Muhammad's “turf on the corner” has become a full-service restaurant with a prime location here in the city: on Washington Boulevard, connected to Parkview Field.
Kevin began entertaining the idea of selling more food items a while ago as he built relationships with his customers. Many of his customers met him years ago on the corner, where they bought his baked goods, and now are regulars at this new location. The first location for the restaurant was at one time Ivy's Jerk Chicken on Clinton. Elijah's Bakery is now near the city's best and major entertainment destination: the Tincaps Baseball Stadium. The restaurant's new location in Parkview Field gives patrons access to the field balcony, live music options, and food for events. And one of the best things it offers is a calm, mellow atmosphere where people can receive the same peaceful environment he has always provided.
Kevin is amazed at how far and long his company has survived, but also tremendously grateful for its supporters and internal staff. From selling dinners outside his home to bringing his craft inside came with unique challenges that Kevin knew he could overcome with time. He, by nature, was an entrepreneur, so building a team was and is something that he has done and identifies as his "secret weapon. "Throughout the training process and working with my workers, I also mentor them," said Kevin. He was proud to say that while he is always willing to teach, Kevin Muhammad also learns about and from his staff, taking every moment as an opportunity to build their business relationships further.
Kevin credits the success of his business to God and having an inspiration of entrepreneurship sparked by his desire to enhance his community and his grandfather, who owned a barbeque spot—The Huddle barbeque-- here in Fort Wayne. He remembers watching his grandfather prepare food for his patrons and taking pride in his business that Kevin now carries on to the bakery. With the new space right across from some of the main dining and fast-food locations downtown, it is now accessible to those on breaks from the office, businesses who want to host events, or couples who want to get out and have an excellent time.
More than just a bakery, Elijah's Bakery has more than just baked goods; it has food that will make it hard to save room for dessert. One of my favorites is Elijah's Wings which has a signature sauce that is bottled and sold separately. It was a relic of his grandfather's recipes with a modern twist and secret ingredients!
They also say that Veggie Lasagna, table card tournaments, roller skate parties, and costume parties are becoming more popular since growing into their new location. You will experience peace and food at Elijah's Bakery because it is much more than the food served there; there is also love. Visit the website at www.elijahsfood.com for menu updates and upcoming events and performances!