My Wife Didn’t Cook: Is More Than a Restaurant It’s A Platform for People & communities.

My Wife Didn’t Cook has always been more than a restaurant.

Founded in New Britain, Connecticut, the platform was built to bring people together through food, conversation, and community-centered purpose. From the intentional design of the space to the culture of care extended to every guest, the mission was clear from day one: create an environment that feeds people — not just physically, but emotionally and socially as well.

That mission was put to the test during the COVID-19 pandemic.

When uncertainty shut doors across the state, My Wife Didn’t Cook shifted immediately from business to service. In a matter of days, nearly 2,000 free meals were prepared and distributed to community members in need. What began as a local response quickly grew as people from across Connecticut heard the story and stepped in to help — sending donations, supplies, and support to ensure the work could continue.

The effort earned a Think Beyond Yourself Award from the City of New Britain, but recognition was never the objective. The priority was — and always has been — people.

Beyond emergency response, the platform also functioned as a bridge for opportunity. Through its close connection with New Britain Legacies, a youth mentoring and development program, the restaurant created real employment pathways for young people. Several alumni worked within the restaurant before moving on to higher education and career opportunities, while others gained job skills, mentorship, and confidence through hands-on experience.

However, the long-term economic impact of COVID — combined with the realities many community-rooted businesses continue to face — eventually forced a difficult decision.

After five years of consistent service, My Wife Didn’t Cook made the choice to close and pivot.

This was not a failure.

It was a strategic pause.

Rather than reopening on unstable ground, the decision was made to step back, reflect, and rebuild with intention — ensuring that when the platform returns, it does so on a stronger, more sustainable foundation.

The vision moving forward is larger than before.

The next chapter of My Wife Didn’t Cook is being designed to serve not only Connecticut, but all of New England, with a model that is resilient, scalable, and deeply rooted in the same values that defined the original platform: dignity, access, mentorship, and community care.

This pause represents preparation — not retreat.

Because platforms built on purpose don’t disappear.

They evolve.

👉 Read the full feature story here: 

https://www.shopblackct.com/blog/my-wife-didnt-cook-a-recipe-for-inspiration