In Memoriam
In Memoriam: Sylvia Woods of famed Sylvia’s Soul Food Restaurant in Harlem
Sylvia Woods, the founder of famed Sylvia’s Soul Food Restaurant in Harlem, has died. She was 86.
Sylvia Woods, the founder of famed Sylvia’s Soul Food Restaurant in Harlem, has died.
She was 86.
New York Daily News reports, “The Queen of Soul Food” died today leaving a legacy of good soul food cooking.
About Sylvia Woods
Sylvia was the founder and owner of the world famous Sylvia’s Soul Food Restaurant, located in the historical village of Harlem, since 1962.
Sylvia Woods was born on February 2, 1926 in Hemingway, South Carolina. After marrying her childhood friend Herbert Woods, the couple moved to New York. She went to work in a hat factory and later at a restaurant in Harlem called Johnson’s Luncheonette in 1954.
In 1962, Sylvia bought the restaurant, forever making it a landmark for good soul food cooking.
Product Line
Organized and started by her son Van in 1992, Sylvia came out with her own line of soul food products that are sold nationally.
Woods products include many of her special sauces, vegetables, spices, syrup, and cornbread and pancake mixes.
She is survived by her four children, Van, Bedelia, Kenneth, and Crizette, who manage the family’s enterprise.
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