x
Breaking News
More () »

'They want to see me be successful': Broadway Market features new soul food vendor

My Mother's Handz is a Black and woman-owned vendor serving smiles and soul food.

BUFFALO, N.Y. — A new restaurant opening at the Broadway Market highlights the support of the community and the passion of one small business owner.

My Mother's Handz is a woman and Black-owned soul food vendor making its grand opening Friday.

Tucked in the back corner by the various meat markets, the smell of soul food is hard to miss. As is the purple sign that reads “always seasoned with love.”

Owner Nakeeya Jones said her late mother inspired the name.

 “Since I was about 5 years old, she would wake me up at 6 o’clock in the morning," she said. "We cut up collard greens, we would clean them several times, clean chicken, cut up chicken, onions, everything.”

“I learned everything I know from my mother.”

Jones also named a menu item after her. The “Ruby Roll” is an eggroll-like item that comes with different meats like steak, ground beef, pork, and chicken. Plus, it can be stuffed with mac and cheese, collard greens, and sweet potatoes.

RELATED: Black-owned businesses get set up at Broadway Market

She began planning the restaurant a few years ago, but COVID-19 forced her to delay the idea — until now. She thanks her friends and family for making the restaurant a reality.

“Keeping a good support team behind you, because this is the only way I’m making it,” said Jones. “My friends are here, my family, and they have been working hard at this with me because they want to see me be successful.”

“Plus, they enjoy my food,” she added.

My Mother's Handz will be open every Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at “Kitchen @ the Market” in the Broadway Market. She said she is determined to stay there. “Kitchen @ the Market” is a commercial kitchen that allows different vendors to use the facility for their small businesses.

Jones says her dishes are unique and customers are eager to try them.

“Business is picking up already for me, just on day number one,” she said. “Although soul food looks the same when you see it on TV or when you see it on a menu, it doesn’t taste the same. My food is different from a lot of different people.”

She plans to open a food truck starting in August, Jones added. She hopes her business can inspire others to follow their dreams.

“If you have a passion or a goal and you want to go for it, the road is very rocky, but you can definitely do it,” she said.

“You can definitely do it.”

Orders can be placed by calling 716-228-0929.

RELATED: The Broadway Market, a Buffalo Easter tradition for many

RELATED: Vendors at Broadway Market get ready for Black History Month

RELATED: Buffalo is promoting Black-owned businesses with a business crawl

Before You Leave, Check This Out