We circled back to a small business loan recipient to see how she was doing. She opened her restaurant!
VSEDC is overjoyed to share the announcement that on April 29, CDFI loan recipient, Deandrea Jones, had the soft opening for her restaurant, Wah Gwaan Jamaican Kitchen & Bar in Leimert Park.
With help from VSEDC business coaches who assessed her needs, she successfully applied for our CDFI loan program. The loan provided her with the financial means to complete equipment and facilities updates to acquire permits needed to open.
A most welcome restaurant in Leimert Park
Now open for all to enjoy, the restaurant sits in a prime location, grandly towering over the corner of Crenshaw Blvd and Vernon Ave. As I walked up its steps, the vibe was welcoming and open. When I entered, I was greeted by a gleeful Deandrea Jones.
“If it wasn’t for VSEDC, I don’t know if I’d be open today,” said Deandrea. “I am so thankful that we made it happen!”
She was thrilled to realize her dream and finally bring her healthy Jamaican cuisine to a food desert, and I was thrilled to try it out. I ordered an enjoyable veggie patty — one I’ll certainly be returning for. The restaurant also was filled with the enticing smell of traditional Jamaican fare, such as jerk chicken, ackee and saltfish, and plaintains.
Wah Gwaan is open from 11am to 7pm, and is located at 4371 Crenshaw Blvd, Los Angeles, California.
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