Featured News - Current News - Archived News - News Categories

Jamawn J. Woods winner of 'America's Next Great Restaurant'

by jmaloni
Mon, May 2nd 2011 05:45 pm

All three "Soul Daddy" restaurants are now open for business   

Last night, Bobby Flay revealed self-employed caterer/cook Jamawn J. Woods and his "Soul Daddy" concept as the winner of NBC's alternative series "America's Next Great Restaurant" in the season finale. Flay, along with investors Curtis Stone, Steve Ells and Lorena Garcia, narrowed the field of contestants to three before deciding that "Soul Daddy" had the greatest potential to succeed in the competitive restaurant market.

Due to national breaking news pre-emptions last night, the season finale will repeat on CNBC this Friday, May 6, at 10 p.m. ET. The finale episode is also available on NBC.com.

Woods' dream started by serving wings and waffles out of his home and has now evolved into a full-service, soul-inspired restaurant with the completion of the series. Viewers were also treated to the first look at the Los Angeles (Hollywood & Highland) location of the fully built-out restaurant. As part of his prize, Woods' concept will make its grand opening as three "Soul Daddy" eateries open today in New York (South Street Seaport), and Minneapolis (The Mall of America) as well.

Woods beat out his final two competitors, Joseph Galluzzi ("Brooklyn Meatball Company") and Sudhir Kandula ("Spice Coast"), in an episode where the contestants worked with architects to build a mini-version of their restaurant, hire staff members and create their final menu. This allowed investors a final chance to see how their businesses would run during a soft opening.

"A passion for food, a solid work ethic, good business sense and delicious meals are what the investors were searching for on this series, and Jamawn embodies all of those traits and more. He is truly the heart and soul of 'Soul Daddy,' " said Flay, a distinguished restaurateur, investor and host of "America's Next Great Restaurant." "The investors are thrilled to introduce soul food to America through these restaurants and we are confident they will savor every flavor."

"At the core, this series followed the contestants' pursuit of the American dream and Jamawn was presented with the opportunity of a lifetime. He came in with a concept and a dream and over the course of the show he worked hard to develop it into a business," said Paul Telegdy, executive vice president of alternative programming for NBC and Universal Media Studios. "The investors couldn't have picked a more deserving person. We look forward to following his success in the restaurant business now that America finally can taste the delicious offerings he served up all season long."

Specific information regarding hours and location information for "Soul Daddy" is available at www.souldaddyrestaurant.com.

Hometown News

View All News