French Toast Bites founder Charisse McGill dies at 42

Charisse McGill, owner and founder of French Toast Bites and Lokal Artisan Foods, and Executive Director of Farmers Market Coalition, died on Jan. 15, in her home. She is survived by her daughter Madison (Maddie) McGill, mother Tina Jackson and father Maurice Davidson.

McGill opened her French Toast Bites stand in Philadelphia in 2018, and in 2020, became the first Black woman to own and operate a food establishment in Spruce Street Harbor Park and Cherry Street Pier on Penn’s Landing. Additionally, McGill became the first black woman in Pennsylvania with a signature craft beer, “French Toast Bites Ale,” which is available through Yard’s Brewing Company.

“Charisse was a pioneer for business owners in our city. She was a force for good, and for change, and brought a sense of exuberance and passion to the Philadelphia community that was infectious,” said David Gould, Chief Diversity and Impact Officer with the Philadelphia 76ers. “To know her was a true privilege and we, alongside the rest of the community, are devastated by this loss.”

Known to many in Philadelphia and across the country as French Toast Bae, McGill earned many accolades and honors, including Woman Entrepreneur of the Year (2021) by United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern NJ; Most Influential African Americans (2021), by Philadelphia Tribune Newspaper; Philadelphia Power Woman (2021), by Metro Philadelphia; and Small Business of the Year (2020), by the African American Chamber of Commerce of PA, NJ, DE, among many others.

Earlier this year, McGill became the first Black woman to lead the national organization Farmers Market Coalition, where she was working on behalf of 8,000+ farmers markets across America.

“Charisse was a devoted mother, daughter, community leader, businesswoman, and advocate. She poured an abundance of energy, enthusiasm, and joy into all she did,” the Farmers Market Coalition said in a statement. “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.”