The Grand Opening will be on October 1, 2019.
Trenton, New Jersey is welcoming a new business to the busy downtown area. African-inspired cuisine will soon be served at 241 East Front Street, located in the heart of the Trenton State Government office buildings. The property has been vacant since former soul food eatery Thomasena’s occupied the space last year, waiting for the perfect tenant to take over.
According to Barry J. Bielat of Bielat Santore & Company, Allenhurst, New Jersey, the broker for the transaction, the new operator of the 2,500 square foot restaurant is culinary chef, Trachele Johnson. The first-time restaurant owner is eager to immerse others with her cooking-style, which she learned from her mother growing up. After her mother’s passing, she started an at-home business named after her mother, Tracey’s Kitchen, pursuing her passion in the culinary arts. “I started off making African food around the house weekly for my mom and sister. Everyone used to love it,” said Johnson. “As the years grew, my clientele grew as well, so I decided to add other dishes to my menu including macaroni and cheese, yams, fried chicken, fried fish etc. As time grew on, I realized that cooking is something I loved doing. I make sure all my food is made with love and I know that my mother is with me every step of the way.”
Johnson’s plans for the restaurant are to honor her mother’s memory and inspire others with her cooking just as her mother did to her. “My mother made sure everyone ate. Just as I do in my kitchen daily, she made sure our entire neighborhood was well fed,” said Johnson. “Even though I miss her presence every day, I know her spirit lives through me with the blessing of food.”
The grand opening will be on October 1, 2019, Johnson’s mother’s birthday. “Even though this will be a new experience outside of my kitchen,” said Johnson, “I am completely ready to excel and learn new things that will come my way. I appreciate Keith DiGrazio and Barry Bielat for giving me this opportunity.”