Newswatch 16’s Mackenzie Aucker takes us to Good Grace African Diner and Market.
WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. — When you walk into Good Grace African Diner and Market in Williamsport, the smell of African food cooking wafts through the air. Owner Maame Badu had planned to return to Gahanna in 2020, but then the pandemic hit and she decided to stay in Williamsport. She says she missed the food of her hometown so much that she opened a restaurant serving cuisine from all over the continent.
“So I just get things from Amazon when I need them. I buy things and I cook. And then I cook and share it with my friends and share it with my family. If someone wants something to eat, I’ll make it for them,” said Badu, owner of Malmgood Grace African Diner and Market.
While in Williamsport, Badu began cooking for friends. Since then, more and more people have become interested in her food.
“I had a Facebook page open and I was posting pictures and stuff, and people were interested,” Badu said.
Pictures of 54 national flags representing African countries line the walls of the restaurant. She said students at the school would come to the cafeteria and show interest in where African countries are located.
“When it comes to food, some people have ideas, some people have eaten African food. And when you come here, you understand that. Because we make something special from all over the country,” Badu said.
Since opening in September, Badu said the diner has attracted many people who had never tried African food before.
“Even with the meal, they call and want to know what it is. I explain it to the best of my knowledge so they understand. They come here and enjoy the meal. Some people have never had African food before,’ and they love it,” Badu said.
Good Grace African Diner and Market is open Wednesday through Saturday from 12pm to 7pm.
