A beloved Black owned restaurant in Philadelphia, Booker’s Restaurant & Bar, has been acquired by Tracey Syphax and his wife Cheri Syphax. The couple, who respectively hold the positions of CEO and COO at Phax Entertainment Group, LLC, now own the neighborhood bistro that was established in 2017.
“As a 28-year serial entrepreneur and entrepreneurial instructor, I recognize great models and Saba Tedla has built a great model of excellent service, great food in a warm and inviting atmosphere that has made Bookers a staple go-to restaurant in the heart of West Philly,” Tracey Syphax says. “Our purchase of Bookers now opens endless possibilities for this well-known corridor. We are excited to become a member of this thriving up-and-coming neighborhood.”
“Tracey and I are excited to take over a restaurant with such a great reputation and following,” Cheri Syphax says. “I have patronized Saba since Aksum, and it is a surreal, full circle moment to own an establishment that made my transition to Philly feel like home. We will keep the menu items our regulars have come to know and love, while listening to their needs and desires for something new. We will also create dishes and cocktails that will tickle and delight their palate and look forward to serving them with the same quality and excellence they have come to expect.”
The mission of Booker’s Restaurant & Bar is to provide an “excellent product with exemplary service,” and the spirit of excellence is rooted in its name, inspired by Booker Wright, an African American waiter in Greenwood, Mississippi, who owned his own “Blacks only” restaurant in the 1960s. Mr. Wright was a successful entrepreneur who spoke openly about racism, which ultimately led to his tragic demise. The legacy of Mr. Wright’s excellence, tenacity, authenticity, and perseverance lives on today at Booker’s Restaurant & Bar.
Tracey and Cheri Syphax’s entrepreneurial spirit extends beyond their business success to their love story. They first connected on a dating site, and soon discovered their mutual passion for entrepreneurship. As their relationship grew, they supported each other in both personal and business endeavors.
For their wedding celebration, the couple decided to host a brunch at the Akwaaba mansion, a Black owned Bed & Breakfast located in West Philly.
by Tony O. Lawson
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