Sylvias - New York, NY

Sylvia Woods, the "Queen of Soulfood," is the founder and owner of the world famous Sylvia's Restaurant, located in the historical village of Harlem, since 1962.

After working several years as a waitress at Johnson's luncheonette, Mr. Johnson recognized Sylvia's entrepreneurial spirit and sold her the luncheonette. Julia Pressley, Sylvia's mother, whom was a farmer and mid-wife, mortgaged her farm to loan her the money for the purchase.

That small luncheonette consisting of a counter and a few booths, has now flourished into a family owned enterprise which consist of: Sylvia's Restaurant in Harlem, Sylvia's Also, a full-service catering hall, Sylvia's Catering Corp., a nation-wide line of Sylvia's Food Products, two deliciously amazing cookbooks, and ATOC, Inc., a real estate firm. (from http://www.sylviassoulfood.com)