Miss Winnie’s, one of West Chester’s newest eateries, carries the name of the woman who inspired the father-and-son ownership team, writes Brian McCullough for the Daily Local News.

But Winnifred Johnston, Bert Johnston’s mother and Nick Johnston’s grandmother who passed away four years ago, did not just share authentic Jamaican recipes. She also taught them how to treat people.

“My grand-mom was the kind of woman who would take everyone under her wing,” Nick said.

Bert, a Devon resident, moved to the U.S. at 15 after growing up in Jamaica with his sisters, brother, and numerous foster children. His mother was determined to teach him everything, including cooking and cleaning.

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This came in handy 10 years ago when he cooked for his family’s annual Christmas party. The food was a success, and the idea for the restaurant was born.

A former engineer, Bert switched careers and embarked on a culinary adventure with his son.

The restaurant on the 200 block of East Market Street now offers both spicy and non-spicy food, together with specialized Jamaican dishes like oxtail stew and curried goat.

Read more about Miss Winnie’s in the Daily Local News here.