Main content starts here, tab to start navigating

Our Story

The Love of Food and Family

Our story begins with love... In 1996, Ella (originally from Kinston, North Carolina) and Ray (originally from Santee, South Carolina) began a journey in the hospitality business. Our main focus was and still is serving Authentic Soul Food. 

When we opened our first restaurant on Marlboro Pike (in Maryland), it was named Ella’s Country Kitchen where we served delightful and tasty meals originating from the Carolinas.  After many inquiries and a determination of striving for more, we decided to focus our business on catering only.  From this birthed ER Catering.  We catered many weddings, repasts and birthday celebrations with delight and satisfied many life-long customers now called family.

In 2017, we stepped out on faith and began EllaRay's Cafe in the heart of Prince George's County Maryland (Forestville Park Mall) where we have been serving hot, delicious meals to lifelong customers who have become more than friends!

Some would ask what makes EllaRay's Cafe the premier and heart-food place to dine.  Ray would gladly smile and tell anyone that Authentic Soul Food is from the heart.  This is not just soul food, its heart food... food that makes you love!

We pride ourselves on serving FRESH ingredients (canned foods are not allowed at EllaRay's Cafe) and having a heart for our customers. Our mission is higher than food, we cater straight to the heart. 

 *For dietary and health concerns, meat is not added to the flavorful vegetables we serve. 

We hope you dine with us, whether through carryout or eating at our cafe! 

See you soon, 

Ella and Raymond