As the City begins its rebound, Southeast Queens celebrates new beginnings for local small businesses.
South Jamaica, NY—Southeast Queens elected officials celebrated the grand opening of a new vegan Caribbean soul food restaurant and pizzeria – Real Veggie Cafe – in South Jamaica. Led by Chef Holando Shaw, Real Veggie Cafe will be the first-of-its-kind restaurant in Southeast Queens. The celebration of this small business grand opening comes as small businesses citywide embark on a post-COVID-19 rebound. Chef Shaw worked throughout the pandemic to address food insecurity by donating sustainable and healthy food options for seniors, first responders, and families in need.
Senator Comrie also highlighted provisions of the enacted FY ‘22 State Budget designed to support small businesses that have suffered throughout this pandemic and deliver investments to support job growth opportunities across New York State. These provisions include:
- A historic $1 billion investment in New York’s small businesses to supplement federal aid.
- $800 million for small business grants.
- $200 million in small business tax credits.
- $40 million for the Arts and Cultural Organization Recovery Grant Program to help the non-profit arts sector in New York State recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- The Pandemic Recovery and Restart Program creates a $35 million Restaurant Return-to-Work Tax Credit.
“Small businesses must be at the forefront of our city and state’s COVID-19 recovery,” said Senator Leroy Comrie. “This is why my colleagues in the State Legislature and I passed historic funding for small business resiliency and recovery. Chef Shaw supported our community throughout the pandemic by dedicating his time and resources to addressing food insecurity in Southeast Queens, so I am proud to join my colleagues in support of his new and unique small business.”
“Small businesses are the lifeblood of the Queens economy, so it is great news that this exciting new restaurant is opening right here in Jamaica,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. “Real Veggie Café will be a welcome addition to the huge variety of culinary options already available in The World’s Borough. I know many other Queens residents, and I look forward to enjoying Real Veggie Café’s healthy and delicious offerings.”
“Real Veggie Cafe, the first restaurant in the community to offer Caribbean vegan soul food and vegan pizza, will be a valuable addition to Southeast Queens,” said Council Member Adrienne Adams. “We need more options in our neighborhood that promote the benefits of healthy eating and plant-based diets, and Real Veggie Café will fulfill that need perfectly. I look forward to joining our community in supporting this new establishment, and I wish the owner and chef Hulando Shaw the best of luck in this new and exciting venture!”“Local small businesses like Real Veggie Cafe are the building blocks for our community’s recovery,” said Councilwoman Selvena Brooks-Powers. “I am proud to join with my colleagues in government to support Chef Hulando Shaw, who is providing Southeast Queens with a one-of-a-kind healthy and sustainable food option as well as opportunities for local employment.”
—
and then 