Melba Wilson, founder and owner of the iconic Melba’s restaurants, has made a significant mark in the culinary world.
From her humble beginnings in Harlem, Wilson has built a restaurant empire that continues to grow across New York City and beyond. Her success story is a powerful example for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to build their own legacy business. Here’s how she did it and the key lessons to take away from her journey.
1. Turn Your Passion Into a Business
Wilson’s love for food and community was the driving force behind her success. In 2005, she opened the original Melba’s in Harlem with the vision of creating a welcoming space where people could enjoy great food. Her passion for bringing people together through food fueled her drive to grow her business.
“Food is what brings people together,” Wilson shares. “It’s not just about the meal—it’s about the experience, the connection.”
Lesson: Follow your passion and create a business that reflects what you love. When you’re driven by something meaningful, success follows.
2. Start Small and Grow Smart
When Wilson opened her first restaurant, she saved $312,000 to get it off the ground. While it seemed like enough at the time, she quickly realized that starting a business comes with unexpected costs and challenges.
“You think that’s enough until you know that it’s not enough,” Wilson admits.
Despite being undercapitalized, she didn’t let that stop her. She continued to expand her restaurant locations strategically—opening new ventures like Melba’s at Wollman Rink in Central Park and Melba’s at Newark’s Prudential Center.
Lesson: Start with what you have, but always be prepared for the unexpected. Focus on steady growth, and don’t rush into expansion until you’re ready.
3. Stay True to Your Vision
Wilson faced numerous obstacles along the way, including overcoming stereotypes and skepticism about being a Black woman in the restaurant industry. She recalls how customers sometimes questioned her prices or expected traditional comfort foods based on assumptions about her background.
“People are going to come in here and think, ‘OK, you’re a Black girl from Harlem, where’s the cornbread?’” Wilson explains. However, she remained committed to her vision of delivering high-quality hospitality and innovative cuisine.
Lesson: Stick to your vision and don’t let external pressures steer you away from what makes your business unique. Trust your instincts and keep refining your craft.
4. Embrace Challenges and Keep Pushing Forward
Wilson admits that building her business was one of the hardest things she’s ever done. From hiring the right team to maintaining consistency in her offerings, the challenges were endless. Yet, she never allowed them to slow her down.
“It’s a whole other-other thing to own a restaurant in Harlem, and to be a Black woman in a restaurant in Harlem,” she says.
But instead of complaining, Wilson consistently gave her best and worked harder to prove herself.
Lesson: Challenges are inevitable, but perseverance is key. Stay focused, work hard, and remain committed to excellence, no matter the obstacles.
5. Create a Legacy That Lasts
Today, Melba’s is more than just a restaurant—it’s a legacy. Wilson’s story is one of resilience, hard work, and dedication to her craft. She continues to expand her business, with new locations opening, including Melba’s Grand Central and a second Newark location on the horizon.
Lesson: Building a legacy business takes time, patience, and a willingness to grow beyond your initial vision. Keep pushing forward, and your business can become something greater than you ever imagined.
By following these principles, Melba Wilson has created one of New York City’s most beloved dining institutions. Her story is proof that passion, persistence, and smart growth can lead to success—and a lasting legacy.
For more inspiring entrepreneurial stories, check out the full episode of “Black Made” featuring Melba Wilson.
