Charisse McGill

Owner | Producer, Lokal Artisan Foods

Charisse’s introduction into the local food industry came through a suburban Philadelphia Farmers’ Market, where she served as the Market Manager for 7 seasons. During that time she grew the market to be second largest in the Philadelphia area and had the unique opportunity to work with local independent food producers. The experience led Charisse to start Lokal Artisan Foods.

In 2018, Charisse opened her French Toast Bites stand in Philadelphia, and in 2020, became the first Blackwoman to own and operate a food establishment in Spruce Street Harbor Park and Cherry Street Pier on Penn’s Landing. Additionally, Charisse became the first black woman in Pennsylvania with a signature craft beer, “”French Toast Bites Ale.” Additional products brought to market include French Toast Bites Spice and French Toast Bites Coffee.

Charisse earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Temple University’s School of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management and in 2018, she enrolled in the MBA Food Marketing program at Saint Joseph’s University.