New soul-fooder signed for Reading Terminal

KeVen Parker, owner of Ms. Tootsie's on South Street, has won the bidding to take over a soul-food stand in Reading Terminal Market, which Delilah's vacated earlier this year.

Parker was misty as he recounted how he grew up shopping at the market, expressing delight in getting the primo location. He said he hoped to open in 45 days with a pared-down Ms. Tootsie's menu including chicken and waffles, classics like fried chicken and fish, turkey chops, crab cakes, and shrimp tempura.

One possible issue is the name. Although Parker has used Ms. Tootsie's for nearly 20 years, there's the Tootsie's salad bar in the market now.