Vela is living realization of a life-long dream of co-owners Lillian Dent and her daughter Chef Leisa Dent. Leisa Dent was born in Brooklyn, New York and moved to Long Island 30 years ago. She is the third child of Toby and Lillian Dent. Toby and Lillian had relocated to Long Island, New York from Evans, Georgia, a small close-knit southern community. They had met at the Mount Olive Baptist Church and became grade school sweethearts.

Leisa’s instinct for good homemade food began at an early age. Lillian made it a point to cook a hot breakfast for her children before school everyday, knowing that it would help prepare them for a better education. However, one day she overslept and served cold cereal, an event met with a chorus of disapproval from the family that loved her home-made food, and one not to be repeated.