The new Good Grace African Diner and Market at 909 Arch St. in Williamsport’s Newberry neighborhood. Karen Bibert Kennedy/Sun Gazette
Maame Badu brings the vibrant flavors and traditions of Africa to Newberry through Good Grace African Market, located at 909 Arch St.
The store stocks popular items from the continent, including cosmetics, household items, and a variety of grocery essentials. The other half of the market is a diner, with a menu that showcases Badu’s culinary talents and the cuisine of his hometown. Catering services are also available.
“The market is here to bring diversity to Lycoming County and introduce African cuisine to the community,” Badu said. “We want this to be a one-stop shop for all things African.”
The menu consists of popular African dishes, from spicy and savory to sweet and refreshing. She cooks everything herself in Good Grace’s kitchen. Fresh produce and flavorful herbs are two keys to her home cooking.
Some of the most popular dishes on the menu include plantains, peanut butter soup, and oxtail. She also serves fan-favorite jollof rice. Jollof rice is a West African dish made from rice cooked with tomatoes, chili peppers, spices, onions, and selected meats. The other is waakye, a dish consisting of rice, black-eyed peas, and sorghum leaves. Sorghum is a grain native to the African continent.
The new Good Grace African Diner and Market at 909 Arch St. in Williamsport’s Newberry neighborhood. Karen Bibert Kennedy/Sun Gazette
For dessert, make puff puffs, fried donuts topped with powdered sugar and fruit. There are also immune-boosting hibiscus drinks with added fruits and herbs.
Badu encouraged community members who are nervous about trying something different to step out of their comfort zone.
“We guide beginners through everything,” she said. “We make sure they have a fun experience with us. We want our customers to be as comfortable as possible.”
She explains what different dishes taste like and helps you make the right choice. She takes great pride in teaching others about her culture and cuisine.
You can also find African sanitary products at the market. African black soap has gained recognition in the Western world in recent years. It has antibacterial and exfoliating properties.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, people use this product to improve skin texture, reduce inflammation, and prevent wrinkles.
She also offers African net sponges, long woven materials used for bathing. This textured cloth has gained popularity around the world in recent years for its exfoliating abilities.
As the market grows, they are also considering offering clothing and hosting events in the future.
Before opening the market, Badu traveled outside the state to find ingredients and products that were easily available at home in Ghana. These trips inspired her to create a place where Africans in the region could find familiar local staples. Since its inception, the store has allowed her to meet other Africans living in the area.
“It’s nice to see the joy on their faces when they come to the market,” she said. “They’re happy to have found a place to connect with other people. It’s refreshing.”
Good Grace African Market is scheduled for a grand opening this fall.
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