Cheryl's Global Soul Voted Brooklyn Small Business of the Year

The global soul of a Prospect Heights restaurant is being recognized locally as one of the best businesses in Brooklyn.

Prospect Heights resident Cheryl Smith was honored at a ceremony last week at Gracie Mansion as her restaurant, Cheryl’s Global Soul (236 Underhill Ave., near Lincoln Pl.), was named Brooklyn Small Business of the Year, one of the city’s annual Neighborhood Achievement Awards.

“I was totally blindsided by this,” said Smith. “I wasn’t looking to win any awards. I just wanted my restaurant to be a success.”

Global Soul first opened in 2006 and has remained a neighborhood staple ever since. Fusing a laid-back coffee shop vibe with sophisticated entrees and high-end cocktails, Smith said she wanted to create a local spot for the community that she felt was lacking.

“I just wanted a place to get a good burger and walk home, and a lot of other people felt the same way,” said Smith. “At that time, this area was underserved, so my business plan was creating a cozy space that catered to all demographics and races.”

Creating a bustling restaurant in an area that is relatively free of foot traffic would be a daunting task for most, but Smith isn’t afraid of hard work. Without a culinary diploma, she began her career as a dishwasher and ultimately moved up to the position of Executive Chef at Marion’s Restaurant and A Go-Go Catering in Manhattan.

In addition to cooking at some of the best restaurants in New York City, Smith was also a Food Network staple with her own cooking show, Melting Pot, and also did guest spots on a number of other programs on the cable network including Emeril’s Holiday Special and Ready, Set, Cook!

“I know the restaurant business inside and out,” said Smith. “I knew that I could fill a niche and make solid food that would bring people in, but then there’s the other side of the business like catering and community outreach.” 

Smith said that while much of the menu and overall ambience of Cheryl’s Global Soul has remained the same over the last five years, the restaurant has evolved into what her initial vision of the space was. She currently has a team of 17 people working at the restaurant and is also looking at opening a second location in Crown Heights.

“I wanted a place where locals could come in several times a day, get their coffee in the morning and come back for dessert at night,” said Smith. “This is supposed to be a spot where people should feel like they can pop in at any given time.”

Perhaps most impressive about Smith’s role in her restaurant is that she is seemingly everywhere. From waiting tables to checking on customers or working in the kitchen, Smith said her can-do attitude is a large part of the success of her restaurant.

“I go where ever I’m needed because I’m ultimately responsible for this restaurant,” said Smith. “I’m really fortunate to have a crew that feels the same way as well.”

Cheryl’s Global Soul is open from 9:00am-11:00pm on Tuesday though Thursday, as well as Sunday, and from  9:00am-11:00pm on Friday and Saturday.