Mango Mangeaux has been serving the Hampton Roads community a fusion of French, Creole and NeoSoul cuisine for nearly a decade. Some of the restaurant’s popular dishes include shrimp and grits with beurre blanc, beignets and its signature mango-infused specialties.
“As an owner, I have been here from the very beginning, when it was born from our original business, Simply Panache Events, which specialized in events of all complexities. We started making a gourmet mango preserve and using it in the catering aspects of our events,” says Lakesha Brown-Renfro, one of the three owners and proprietors of Mango Mangeaux. “We had our chef put it in lemonade, stir it with our ginger spice blend for a mango ginger shrimp, mix it with red wine vinegar and olive oil for a mango vinaigrette, or blend it with cream cheese to make a delicious fruit dip or add a graham cracker crumble for a mango cheesecake dessert.”
Customers loved the mango preserve so much that the team behind Mango Mangeaux decided to produce the preserves for retail sale. “Our journey in food started with our gourmet mango preserves at a farmer’s market,” Brown-Renfro says with a twinkle in her eye. “A successful run at the farmers market led us to Whole Foods, then to ABC’s Shark Tank, Food Network and QVC and ultimately to opening this restaurant, where we could showcase those flavors in a full dining experience,” she continues.
Brown-Renfro and her team wanted to create a space where people could relax and enjoy great food in an inviting atmosphere. “Our concept is built around three things: exceptional food, warm hospitality and a story of entrepreneurship that started with a single jar of mango preserves.
Right: The Chesapeake Benedict includes poached eggs, fried green tomatoes, lump crab meat, Cajun hollandaise sauce and Creole seasoning.
“Every dish is thoughtfully crafted with our signature flavors, and we take pride in making every guest feel like family,” Brown-Renfro says. “Mango Mangeaux was built on passion, resilience and community. We started with a simple idea and grew into something much larger than we ever imagined.”
When it comes to the best part of her job, Renfro-Brown reflects on the customers who have turned into a community. “Seeing people enjoy our food and the experience we’ve created is incredibly fulfilling. Whether it’s a guest discovering a new favorite dish or a special celebration happening on our rooftop, those moments make all the hard work worth it,” she says with enthusiasm.
The Mango Mangeaux team calls the Hampton Roads area home, and the restaurant continues to find ways to “give back” to the community. “Giving back has always been a part of our mission,” says Renfro-Brown. “We’ve supported local organizations like the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank, who we absolutely love; worked with small suppliers and participated in various community events. We believe in uplifting others just as we were uplifted.”
Mango Mangeaux welcomes customers into its kitchen for home cooking and personalized service. “No matter where the future takes us, the heart of our brand will remain strong,” Renfro-Brown said.
TO THE POINT:
Mango Mangeaux
Address: 33 E. Mellen Street, Hampton, VA 23663
Phone: 757-224-9189
Website: www.mangomangeaux.com
