A Southern-Caribbean comfort concept is making its way to Cambridge‘s Kendall Square.
Everybody Gotta Eat will open its first brick-and-mortar location at the forthcoming Eastern Edge Food Hall at 290 Main St, according to a press release. Founder-chef and Cambridge native Emmanuel “Manny” Mervil told What Now Boston that the opening carries deep personal meaning.
“As someone born and raised in Cambridge, having our first brick-and-mortar just blocks from where I grew up is a blessing,” he said. “It feels like a full-circle moment—the city that shaped me is now giving me space to serve it, and I don’t take that lightly.”
What started as a neighborhood cookout staple has since grown into one of Greater Boston’s largest Black-led food operations. Celebrating Southern and Caribbean comfort traditions, the menu features soulful dishes like Crispy Fried Fish, Soul Wings, and the signature Soul Bowl layered with mac and cheese, yams, and cornbread.
Once it debuts in early 2026, Everybody Gotta Eat will join five of nine confirmed tenants at Eastern Edge, including Clover Food Lab, Juicy Jay’s, Perillas Korean Kitchen, and Việt Citron. The food hall is expected to feature two spacious bars, various event spaces, and communal areas designed to encourage gathering, connection, and discovery.
