‘A role model’ for what’s possible: Philadelphia mourns entrepreneur Charisse McGill of Lokal Artisan Foods

Charisse McGill, the founder of Philadelphia’s Lokal Artisan Foods and the popular French Toast Bites line, died on Monday at 42. The cause of her death has not been publicly announced.

She leaves behind one daughter, Madison, an entrepreneur herself who will now operate Lokal Artisan Foods, according to public relations pro and friend Kory Aversa.

McGill left an events planning job in 2018 to launch her French Toast Bites stand at Dilworth Park’s Christmas Village. In 2020, she became the first Black woman to own her own food stand at Spruce Street Harbor Park. She was named United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern NJ’s Woman Entrepreneur of the Year in 2021, among other honors.

McGill also served as the executive director of the national Farmers Market Coalition.

“Charisse was a devoted mother, daughter, community leader, businesswoman, and advocate,” reads a statement from the nonprofit’s staff and board, shared by Aversa. “She poured an abundance of energy, enthusiasm, and joy into all she did. As friends and colleagues, we will miss her terribly. As a community, we know the loss of her passion, leadership, and innovative spirit will be felt by all. Together, we will honor her legacy with renewed dedication to our shared vision for a better food system for all.”

Her impact was evidenced by the outpouring of tributes from people mourning the loss. McGill’s passing was noted by media outlets across the Philadelphia region, with many noting the effort she made to help others following in her footsteps.

Technical.ly spoke to McGill in 2020 about the need for increased access to capital for Black entrepreneurs. She said then that she believed she owed it to her community to help other Black entrepreneurs succeed and grow more Black-owned businesses. She intentionally hired people from underserved communities and included them in decision-making meetings so they could learn the ins and outs of running a business.

“Everyone that works for me doesn’t just work for me; it’s a continuous business opportunity,” McGill said. “If I have a meeting with the [Delaware River Waterfront Corporation], they can come too. I would love anyone working for me to open across the street.”

She led Lokal Artisan Foods to French toast-themed partnerships with a slew of Philadelphia businesses. With Yards Brewing Company, she launched French Toast Bites Ale, making her the first Black woman in Pennsylvania with a signature craft beer.

“Charisse was a dear friend to Yards, a bright light in our community, and a true force of nature. Her unyielding determination, entrepreneurial spirit, and warm loving hugs will be dearly missed,” CEO Trevor Prichett said in a statement on behalf of the company’s staff.

An entrepreneur at heart

McGill was an alum of both Temple University, where she earned a BS in sport and recreation management in 2003, and St. Joseph’s University, where she earned a food marketing MBA. Faculty members of both schools expressed shock and sadness at the news of her passing.

Temple considered her to be an outstanding alumni, said Daniel Funk, associate dean of the School of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management within the Fox School of Business.

“It’s very rare you see someone come through here who makes such a mark,” Funk told Technical.ly. McGill’s former professors most remember her generous interactions with other students: “People could see some enormous potential.”

“From my perspective, she really has become an inspiration, and I would even say a role model, for what is possible for our students, and I think that’s a real testament,” Funk said. “She’ll clearly be missed by our faculty and our staff.”

St. Joe’s George Latella, an assistant professor of food marketing, taught McGill in several classes while she pursued her master’s degree. Among the thousands of students he’s met over the years, “Charisse is one of those people who would stand out among the crowd for sure,” he said.

McGill had the mark of a true entrepreneur, per Latella: always networking, always working to advance her company, creative, with a magnetic personality. And because she was in the midst of growing Lokal Artisan Foods while in school, “I don’t think she got a lot of sleep,” he noted.

The professor had hoped she would return to St. Joe’s to guest lecture someday.

“I think she would have excelled on ‘Shark Tank,’” Patella said.

In early 2023, McGill was named the third recipient of the Philadelphia 76ers’ Buy Black Program out of hundreds of applicants. The program was created to support local, Black-owned businesses via marketing, advertising, educational programs and other growth tools.

“Charisse was a pioneer for business owners in our city,” Chief Diversity and Impact Officer David Gould said in a written statement this week. “She was a force — for good, and for change, and brought a sense of exuberance and passion to the Philadelphia community that was infectious. To know her was a true privilege and we, alongside the rest of the community, are devastated by this loss.”

Information about a memorial and donations is expected in the coming days.