First Black-owned Businesses Thrive in Broome County

Hair salon and restaurant owners build community and legacy in upstate New York

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Tanya Williams and the Felton family are among the first Black business owners in Broome County, New York, establishing a hair salon and restaurant that have become community staples. Despite initial challenges, their businesses have grown to serve diverse customers and inspire the next generation.

Why it matters

The success of these pioneering Black-owned businesses in a predominantly white area highlights the importance of representation and economic empowerment for minority communities. Their stories demonstrate how minority-owned enterprises can become cornerstones of local communities and lay the groundwork for future generations.

The details

Tanya Williams opened Paradise Hair World, the first Black-owned hair salon in Broome County, to serve a need in the community, especially for children with mixed-texture hair. Meanwhile, Theo and Barbara Felton started Theo's, the first Black-owned restaurant in Johnson City, after their homemade food became popular at local church fundraisers. Both businesses faced initial resistance in the predominantly white area, but persevered to become community fixtures.

  • Tanya Williams opened Paradise Hair World in the early 2000s.
  • Theo and Barbara Felton opened Theo's restaurant in 1991.
  • Theo's restaurant closed in the early 2000s.
  • Linda Felton, the Feltons' daughter, now sells Theo's Sweet and Sassy Sauce nationwide.

The players

Tanya Williams

Owner of Paradise Hair World, the first Black-owned hair salon in Broome County.

Theo and Barbara Felton

Founders of Theo's, the first Black-owned restaurant in Johnson City.

Linda Felton

Daughter of Theo and Barbara Felton, who now sells Theo's Sweet and Sassy Sauce nationwide.

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What they’re saying

“There was no one doing their hair and I saw there was a need for it, especially with the children that had the mixed texture hair, they didn't have salons up here to do their hair and help them out.”

— Tanya Williams, Owner, Paradise Hair World (wbng.com)

“We knew we could cook and that we had good food and we enjoyed it.”

— Barbara Felton, Co-founder, Theo's Restaurant (wbng.com)

“Just to be able to carry on something that my parents, and we had from the time that we were little and realizing so many other people didn't have that growing up, I just think it's so important to take just a piece of my legacy.”

— Linda Felton (wbng.com)

What’s next

Linda Felton plans to continue expanding the reach of Theo's Sweet and Sassy Sauce, keeping her family's legacy alive.

The takeaway

The success of these pioneering Black-owned businesses in Broome County demonstrates the vital role minority-owned enterprises can play in building community, empowering future generations, and preserving cultural heritage, even in predominantly white areas.