Brooklyn's Progress
November 2004

Story by Khadija Batuta

The Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce’s monthly networking events are great ways to meet other Members, make new business contacts and have a great time along the way.

More than 100 Chamber Members and friends went to historic Bedford-Stuyvesant to network and sample some eclectic delights at Akwaaba Café, one of Brooklyn’s premier Afro-Diaspora restaurants.  Thanks to a warm spell in the weather, guests were able to venture outdoors to enjoy Akwaaba’s patio as well as explore the other new and thriving retail businesses on Lewis Ave. between McDonough and Decatur Streets that lease space from Akwaaba Enterprises, Inc., owner of the properties on that block. 

The Brooklyn Chamber’s Membership Director Darryl Hollon introduced the evening’s host Chef Monroe Shannon who bid the crowd “Akwaaba,” which he explained means “welcome” in the Akan language of Ghana, West Africa.  He also expressed his pleasure at having the Chamber and its guests visit the Bedford-Stuyvesant community that is experiencing a renaissance of which Akwaaba is proud to be a part.

Attendees were also treated to a surprise visit from Monique Greenwood, Owner and CEO of Akwaaba Enterprises, Inc.  In addition to the Café, Akwaaba’s other properties include bed-and- breakfast inns in Bedford-Stuyvesant, New Jersey and Washington, D.C.  Ms. Greenwood announced to attendees exciting plans for a new bed-and-breakfast location in New Orleans, Louisiana. 

Finally, among other fun activities, Chamber Historian Joe Stile entertained the crowd with his usual trivia.  All in all, it was a great evening that is due in large part to the warmth and hospitality of the evening’s host, Monroe Shannon, his staff and Monique Greenwood.

About The Host

Akwaaba Café is nestled in the warmth of Brooklyn’s historic Stuyvesant Heights section of Bedford-Stuyvesant, an oasis of elegant dining seasoned by African, Mediterranean, Creole, Caribbean and Southern delicacies.  Since 1998, Akwaaba Café has been Brooklyn’s premier Afro-Diaspora cuisine restaurant.  In addition to fine food, Akwaaba Café’s guests enjoy the sounds of New York’s finest live jazz entertainment while enjoying the comfort of Akwaaba Café’s elegant dining room and patio.  With Akwaaba Café’s dedication to service, an award winning menu, a warm homelike environment and first-rate entertainment, each guest enjoys a truly divine dining experience.

Don’t miss the Brooklyn Chamber’s last BAH of the year where fun and lots of surprises are planned.  Bring a business friend and join the Chamber for a night of networking in Sheepshead Bay at the world famous Lundy Bros. Restaurant, home of the freshest seafood this side of Brooklyn.  Meet new Brooklyn Chamber Chairman, Dan Holt, Courier-Life Publications.  The Brooklyn Chamber will release the 2004-2005 Brooklyn Business Directory and Buying Guide that Mr. Holt will sign for Members.  Special membership discounts will be offered for one night only to those who join the Brooklyn Chamber at the event.  Come find out about the Member-to-Member discount program, soon to launch on ibrooklyn.com...and much more.

To host a Business After Hours please contact Maggie Beaute-Lucien, Special Events Manager, at 718 875-1000 ext. 105, or at mlucien@brooklynchamber.com.