From the Streets to the Kitchen, The Rise of Mr. Everybody Gotta Eat
IN the bustling streets of Cambridge, Massachusetts, a young man named Emmanuel Mervil faced a harsh reality. Born and raised in Newtowne Court, Emmanuel lost his father at just five years old. His father’s sudden disappearance to Haiti left a void in his life, forcing him to navigate the challenges of growing up in a single-parent household. His mother worked tirelessly, not only to provide for Emmanuel and his siblings but also to support their family back in Haiti. Faced with these circumstances, Emmanuel made a choice that would shape his early years: he turned to the streets to make ends meet.
“I didn’t have to hustle,” Emmanuel recalls, “but it was a choice that I made.” For years, he found himself caught in a cycle that, while providing for his immediate needs, led him down a dangerous path. After numerous arrests, 6 years on the run and three years in federal prison took a toll on him, and he realized that the risks were no longer worth the rewards. “I didn’t want to put my mother through the same pain again,” he reflects. “That’s when I really decided to change my life and keep pushing.”
The birth of his son Nikko further solidified Emmanuel’s resolve to leave the streets behind. “I just got to the point where I didn’t care what other people thought,” he says. With a new perspective, he embarked on a journey to rebuild his life, this time focusing on entrepreneurship. But the road wasn’t easy.
Emmanuel’s catering business, well known in Boston, is a testament to his resilience and determination. Known as “Mr. Everybody Gotta Eat,” he has become a prominent figure in the city’s culinary scene. His approach to building a successful team is rooted in understanding the strengths and weaknesses of those he works with. “We work with people from all different backgrounds,” he explains. “As long as you bring your value to the table, then we can work.”
Rebranding himself after a notorious past was no small feat, but Emmanuel knew that consistency and quality were key. “Quality over quantity,” he emphasizes. “And really be consistent in what I’m doing.” By implementing various marketing strategies, he has managed to gain trust and credibility in Boston’s highly competitive food industry.
But Emmanuel’s impact goes beyond the kitchen. He is committed to giving back to the community that shaped him, using his catering business as a platform for change. Through annual cookouts, toy drives, backpack drives, and speaking engagements at youth centers, he provides support and inspiration to those who are still struggling. “We talk about entrepreneurship and the importance of standing on business and keeping your name clean,” he says.
Looking ahead, Emmanuel’s dream is to open a restaurant in Cambridge, the place where his journey began. He is also working on a documentary and a food show, further expanding his influence and reach. Mentorship has played a significant role in his transformation, and he now seeks to guide others on their path from handcuffs to cufflinks.
As he reflects on his journey, Emmanuel’s legacy is clear: “My mom, my pops, and myself, all we did was help people. If I can pass that down to my son and others, then I did my job.” Emmanuel Mervil, aka Mr. Everybody Gotta Eat, is a living example of how resilience, determination, and a commitment to helping others can turn even the most challenging circumstances into a story of success.
IG: everybodygotta_eat // Website: www.everybodygotta.com
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Pay attention to Surpaul Cottrell’s next book about to drop sometime summer 2024 called, 5 Years Out: A Journey of Patience, Taking Risks, and Life Beyond Bars. The preorder is now available at cottrellvision.com
Please also follow Surpaul “ImmahBeastWitIt” Cottrell on Instagram @cottrell_vision x @surpaulcottrell
