Sheron Chin-Barnes Mobay Restaurant There’s a point in life – a place – where and when we allow ourselves to line up with our destiny and all other things come into alignment in our lives. Many bear witness to that idea. Sheron Chin-Barnes is our case in point. Owner of Mo Bay Restaurant at 17 West 125th Street and a second restaurant, Baton Rouge in a cozy brownstone on 145th Street, found her place in the grand scheme of things. After trying her hand in fashion merchandising and real estate, both fairly good runs, she settled into her place by fate. “When one says destiny, “ Sheron pauses contemplatively, “as I sit back and reflect, to be in business almost seven years and still be open, as a self-taught entrepreneur, in one of the toughest businesses out here – 80% fail - my classification of that is destiny.” Sheron, a beautiful fusion of Jamaican-Chinese with a heart that naturally extends to serving people, had no intention of entering the restaurant industry. But once she settled in, the restaurant opened up a wellspring that satisfies the thirst of many, on several levels. She has not just found a niche that satisfies the palate of uptown diners. But ninety-nine percent of her employees come from the community. In a multiplier effect, her restaurants support 25 families directly, help put kids through school and they provide the vehicle for progress. And did we mention the food is delectable? “I wanted to give Harlem a restaurant that Harlem deserves, no small take out, with paper plates – but somewhere upscale and warm with good food and atmosphere,” Sheron says. She claims the secret to their unique flavor is passion for cooking and the combination of Chinese seasoning and sauces with Jamaican. Read more.... Harlem Torch Magazine Fall Edition |
