Dear Harlem—and all who hold this village close to their hearts,

For many years, Home Sweet Harlem has been more than just a restaurant. It’s been a refuge, a celebration space, a cultural gathering place, and a symbol of what community care looks like when rooted in love, flavor, and intention.

Tucked into our vibrant neighborhood, this plant- and art-filled haven has welcomed generations of Harlem residents and visitors alike. From soulful jazz nights and spirited paint-and-sips to baby showers, repasts, graduation brunches, and school group dinners—Home Sweet Harlem has nourished the body and spirit. Many of you know those unforgettable buttermilk biscuits. You’ve tasted the tradition in every dish and felt the warmth in every greeting.

Donna, our owner and chef, has poured her heart into this space with quiet strength and tireless commitment. Her food, inspired by the Pan-American Diaspora, carries the stories, resilience, and richness of many cultures. Through the years, she has weathered every challenge with courage and tenacity because she believes deeply in the power of community.

These are uncertain times. The landscape is shifting, and support for businesses like ours—small, independent, Black and Latino owned, community-centered—are becoming harder to come by. Institutions and opportunities that once sought out inclusive voices and local partnerships are, in many ways, pulling back.

The Diversity in this country is our strength, and there are those who want to minimize our power.

The impact is quiet but undeniable. Look around your neighborhood.

Still, we remain hopeful. We’re not just trying to stay open—we’re determined to buckle down, build reserves, and Flourish in our community.

Home Sweet Harlem is looking forward to continuing to be one of the cornerstones of Harlem life—a place where families, friends, co-workers, students...everyone can gather to nourish their souls, to be seen, to celebrate, and to feel at "Home".

We are humbly asking for your help to ensure we don’t lose what we’ve all built together.

Your support means more than just keeping the lights on. It means protecting a space of joy, comfort, heritage, and hope. Every dollar, every share, every gesture of love brings us one step closer to staying rooted and continuing to serve the Harlem we love so dearly.

With love and gratitude,

Pamela, Donna and the Home Sweet Harlem Crew

*This is a special note from Donna-

*Please engage on Social Media- Follow, like, share your neighborhood restaurants, cafes, or bar. (Millennials and Gen Zs...you know what to do! Xennials, this message is for you as well.

*Spread the word- Word of mouth can make or break a business. Talk to your neighbors, your co-workers, your besties. Call your cousin! Use your network to keep businesses viable in the community.

**Our goal is to continue with Catering, providing a comfortable space to work remotely, offering Weekend Brunch, and using Home Sweet Harlem as an Interdisciplinary Events Space.

Follow us, subscribe to our Newletter, and please spread the message to your contacts.

***We hope to purchase an awning sometime this year.

There is still the dreadful scaffolding on the building front portion of the building.

We plan to upgrade the bar and install new sheet rock in areas, repoint the brick walls that were damaged by water after a fire in the building.

I'll keep you posted with any progress.

Thank you again so much for your support,

Donna