Rose “Dee” Ileyemi, a resident of Northeast Philly and owner of the forthcoming DeeGrace Kitchen in Elkins Park, is looking to open her doors this summer.

“We’re hoping by July, but it’ll depend on the health department. We’re waiting on some equipment that should be in soon,” she said. “As long as we meet all the regulations, we can open up.”

The new restaurant will be located at 7782 Montgomery Avenue, the former home of Frank’s Pizza, an Elkins Park staple for years. The building has been vacant since last summer.

“It’s going to be beautiful. We’re so excited,” Ileyemi said.

Ileyemi, who has a culinary degree from Midway Culinary School at Cincinatti State College, says everything on the menu will be made from scratch.

“It’s going to be fast food but homemade food, including the sauces. Everything is from scratch: The pizza, homemade fries, shrimp, pulled pork, steak, everything,” she said. “I love cooking. It’s my passion. When I’m making food, I’m so excited.”

The final touches on their menu are still being ironed out, she said.

Originally from Nigeria, Ileyemi also owns two childcare centers in Philadelphia and came to the area from from Ohio in 2019.

She said her husband will be helping out with organizing and maintenance, and she plans to hire a sous chef and staff soon.

“One of the good things about a new business is you provide new jobs for people,” she said. “We chose this area because my husband used to work at IdentiGo, and I could never find anywhere to eat around there. So, we decided to start something so people can get something quick and healthy. I know the neighborhood very well. I live eight minutes away.”

For more on DeeGrace Kitchen, you can visit their Instagram page. You can check out more of Chef Dee’s specialties here.

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Photos: Instagram