'Fulfilling a need': 23-year-old opens popular breakfast stand in York's Penn Market

Nate Jamison got his start in the culinary world when he was just 17 years old.

He started working at the age of 15, to help his family cover bills, and in 2017, Jamison, one of eight siblings, got a job flipping a Metro PCS sign. One day, while flipping the sign on North George Street, he met Handsome Cab co-owner Robert Godfrey, who was outside painting the windows, beside a sign that said that they were hiring.

Committed to securing a second job, Jamison, then in culinary school, filled out an application to be a dishwasher. But his boss had other plans – he was hired as a line cook.

There, Jamison spent several years developing a wealth of knowledge and skills from how to run a kitchen to how to prepare different foods he might not normally work with.

"I was eager to do a good job and do it to my fullest potential," Jamison said.

He has since moved on to other roles in York County, including helping his mother, Kayla Tawney, operate her Penn Market Stand: V & K’s Mercantile.

Now at 23, just a few steps away from mom, he’s meeting the needs of Penn Market vendors and clients with a stand of his own: The Breakfast Store.

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The Breakfast Store

Over the past few months, Jamison, as well as other market vendors and even customers, expressed a need for breakfast food.

"Everyone was saying we need breakfast in here. I thought: why not take the initiative and start making breakfast?" he said.

Though he's only been open for a few weeks, the community swarmed his stand.

For only $5, The Breakfast Store offers made-to-order breakfast sandwiches served on either a croissant, bagel, English muffin or toast. Meat options include beef bacon, turkey bacon and sausage, as well as a handful of cheese options.

Omelettes with your choice of toppings such as tomatoes, kale, mushrooms and a handful of other vegetables are also available.

Oatmeal bowls are also on the menu, and they might just be the most exciting oatmeal you'll ever order. These overnight oats made with vanilla, yogurt and milk are garnished with your choice of toppings, including fresh strawberries, blueberries, bananas, raspberries, pecans, sunflower seeds, chia seeds and more.

Despite his age, Jamison wants to show the community that there are opportunities for the local youth to help them grow.

"My goal is to change the narrative and show that there’re actually young people who are doing good and want to see a better future for York City and its community."

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'Pay it forward'

One night while prepping his inventory for service the next day, Jamison noticed a man sitting out in the cold who had appeared to be there all day.

In his heart, Jamison said something told him to help the man, so he cooked up a few breakfast sandwiches, placed them in a bag and delivered them across the street to him.

"I want to show to people if we come together, and become one, we can support the community," he said.

Since then, Jamison has decided to use a portion of his tips to cover the cost of breakfast items which he will make and deliver to local churches and food banks, and upon hearing this, his customers have shown up to support him and his mission.

"York is not a bad place. Some people make it out to be that way, but it's up to us to change that narrative and show that there's good in the city," Jamison said.

Soon, The Breakfast Store will offer "pay it forward" cards that customers can fill out and prepay for a future breakfast item that can later be redeemed by someone in need of a hot meal. He plans to post them on local bulletin boards that people can bring back to his store and redeem.

"There were times when I didn't have a lot, and people helped me, and I remember every single time that happened. It makes me feel even better to support people, knowing it can impact their lives and make them feel good."

One of his biggest inspirations in his life is his mother, whose creativity and determination has kept him going, especially in the last few years.

His dream is to continue to work hard, help others and one day buy his mother a house.

The Breakfast Store is at 380 W. Market St., York and is open Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This article originally appeared on York Daily Record: 23-year-old opens The Breakfast Store in York Pa.'s in Penn Market