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On Thanksgiving Day Rachid Niang and his wife Kim Lum Chan Niang, owners of Jacob’s Restaurant, provided free meals to the community, as they have for the past fourteen years at their 2 locations on Lenox @ 129th Street and Frederick Douglas Blvd @ 143rd St. Waling in the door, it was evident there were many volunteers, as they served in the orange tee shirts. Rachid said they had more then 50 volunteers this year. The doors opened about 12:00 noon and Rachid said, “Doors will remain open as long as there is food.”
The volunteers serve the guests in trays they take out. .Volunteers in the past included Roberta Flack and others. This year Patricia James, long time partner of Walt Frazier rolled up her sleeves and volunteered. Guests can choose the traditional Thanksgiving meals of turkey, candied yams, or choose some of Jacob’s everyday favorites of fried chicken, jerk chicken, beef stew, collard greens, string beans, black eyed peas, rice & peas, macaroni and cheese, salad, fruits, banana pudding, slice of pie, and much more. Each guest is also given a beverage, such as a soft drink or tea. Hundreds of people line up outside each year as the food is served for about four hours,
Jacob’s is also known for catering Thanksgiving meals and in the dining room, on Thanksgiving day you can see dozens of orders waiting to be picked up.
Rachid Niang is from Senegal and wife and Kim Lum Chan Niang was born in Trinidad. Both of them worked for other restaurants before starting their own in Harlem more than 14 years ago.
They currently have 3 restaurants in Harlem. Two locations for Jacob’s Soul Food and Salad Bar and JJ Restaurant, located on Frederick Douglas Blvd @ 133rd St, specializing in Senegalese dishes.
Jacobs Soul Food Restaurant makes a difference each year in the community, especially during the holidays with their appetizing meals, delightful faces, and cheerful spirits. It wouldn’t be the same for the holidays without a bit of soul food from Jacobs.
