Chef Carl’s story is all about joyful perseverance. Every obstacle, every naysayer pushed him to work harder. And now, you can taste the love and effort he puts into the Jamaican and Caribbean dishes he serves up every day.
His story began in late 1970s Jamaica. His mother would send her teenage son to gather produce from the local market. Carl spent his days (and sometimes late nights) working in hotels, getting a feel for the industry.
When he came to the states in 1980—first to Virginia, then here to Philly, Carl worked in hotel kitchens, learning the culinary business, rising in the ranks, and never stopping. The corporate life in big chain hotels taught him a lot, but the time came when he was ready for a new challenge.
“I started 48th Street Grille in October 2014,” recalls Chef Carl Lewis Sr. “And here I am today.”
Getting a new restaurant off the ground takes more than endurance, though. It takes capital.
“Banks would just turn me down,” he shared.
But Hebrew Free Loan Society of Greater Philadelphia saw the opportunity.
“Someone told me about HFL while I was seeking out other loans. I was the first recipient of the HFL business loan, I met Marshal Granor [HFL Co-President at the time], met with the local rabbis. It was such a warm welcome—even to this day they stay in touch with me.”
The experience of receiving a loan—the very first business loan ever distributed by HFL— was rooted in warmth, dignity, and care.
“It’s one of the most generous, most sincere orgs I’ve ever worked with. They’re passionate about supporting small entrepreneurs. “When they reached out to me, I didn’t realize I was the first loan recipient,” he said. “They reached out to me, came to my operation. It’s like a family. That’s who they are.”
Coming from his self-described humble beginnings, moving to a new place, working his way tirelessly up through the ranks… becoming a restaurant owner is difficult enough. HFL gives business owners like Chef Carl the hand up they need to succeed.
“I’ve learned so much as a small business owner. The endurance of opening a restaurant – a lot of people said I’d fail. But I don’t believe in failure.”
The 48th St. Grille was a featured spot on our recent Food Tour, and we’re so proud to celebrate Chef Carl’s success and to be a part of his story. Our business loans are about so much more than the dollars.
“Marshal Granor still comes to my restaurant! Still comes to me for catering. All of them still connect with me. And this loan was 12 years ago! HFL has done a lot for small business owners, not just restaurants. They’ve touched my life, and there’s many others that have been impacted in the community.”
When asked what Chef Carl would tell other small business owners in the community about HFL, he said:
“Take the opportunity. It’s more than just a loan—they care about your business.”