Paynter’s Platters is a Black and LGBTQ-owned catering company largely servicing the Philadelphia area, with New Jersey roots. For owner Ryen Paynter, it’s all about family, sharing how his early experiences with food and love for those who surrounded him while growing up motivated his cooking journey. He discusses new opportunities he is seeking with his business, recently being the recipient of the $5,000 PNC Bank LGBTQ+ Business Award at the Independence Business Alliance Business Leaders Luncheon. Paynter says “if you’re going to invest in me, invest in me fully,” and wants to not just be the award-receiver, but also the first one called to showcase what his business can do for any event with catering needs.
This story is part of the Digital Equity Local Voices Fellowship lab through News is Out. The lab initiative is made possible with support from Comcast NBCUniversal.