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Welcome to the Avenue By Jason Zhou '23

Welcome to the Avenue is a small, family-owned business. They offer authentic Caribbean food at reasonable prices and serve huge portions. Every dish the chef offers is fresh, as he comes in early every day to handpick all of the ingredients, which are sourced from Philadelphia. The ambiance of the restaurant is very distinctive and fun as well.

The owner of the Caribbean soul food restaurant, Kwane Haywood, is a very experienced cook. He is the only chef in the shop, and he makes every dish by himself. Haywood is from Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in the Caribbeans, and he wants to introduce his hometown food to the borough of Pottstown.

Owner Kwane Haywood and employee Nakeem Palmer are very close. They enjoy working with each other. Photos by Jason Zhou '23.
COVID impacted the traditional dining industry. As a result, Welcome to the Avenue shifted towards takeouts and delivery. Haywood said, “As a chef, I definitely miss decorating the dishes and making them look nice.”
The blackboard stands at the entrance of the restaurant. The shop wants to be the first place to welcome all visitors into Pottstown. Photo by Jason Zhou '23

The name “Welcome to the Avenue” was inspired by the idea of a Caribbean food truck. Haywood wants his restaurant to be the first stop to welcoming all visitors.

Palmer said, "Chef always comes in early and handpick all the fresh ingredients from Philly. He puts a lot of heart into the food and makes it perfect for the customers." Palmer has been working at Welcome to the Avenue for a year and a half, and he enjoys meeting new people and learning about their lives while serving them food.

The combination of checkerboard floor, red brick wall and golden ceiling give the restaurant a very welcoming atmosphere. Photo by Jason Zhou'23

With influences from his mother and grandmother, alongside 13 years of working experience in Madison Square Garden and culinary school, Haywood’s specialty dish, oxtails with beans and rice, has gained a lot of loyal followers.

Long-time customer Andre and his young son Jaylen (right side of the photo), who asked to be identified solely by first names, grab food from the shop at least once or twice a week. “100% ain’t enough! More like 200% we’ll recommend this place for other folks. This got to be a place you got to stop by here in Pottstown,” Andre said.

The regulars of Welcome to the Avenue always leave the restaurant with a big smile on their faces. Photo by Jason Zhou '23

The decoration in the restaurant reflects the easy-going Carribean vibe. Photos by Jason Zhou '23
Palmer's favorite dish from the chef: curry chicken with rice and beans. Photo by Jason Zhou '23

Welcome to the Avenue is located on 107 E High St. Pottstown, PA 19464. Check out their menu at: