Tower Isle's patties continues to fill New Yorkers
Fifty years ago, newlyweds Earl and Joy Levi, had the vision to open this bakery in the heart of Ocean Hill.
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For Caribbean Heritage Month, it's all about the spicy beef, chicken, shrimp and veggie patties that are taking over Ocean Hill. As soon as you enter Tower Isle's Cafe, you're greeted with the smell of different flavors.
Fifty years ago, newlyweds Earl and Joy Levi, had the vision to open this bakery in the heart of Ocean Hill. They wanted to bring a piece of Jamaica to everyone who walked through the doors.
"Ms. Levi was my sister, so I'm a part of the family," said Helenia Whitter, vice president of shipping facilities and purchasing. "I've been here since 2007. She passed away Feb. 26, 2011."
According to her sister Helenia, they didn't know their vision would expand beyond Brooklyn. It's been more than 30 years since they started shipping and selling these patties in grocery stores across the country - a business that turned into a family.
"I was 23 years old when I met with Mrs. Levi and I'm almost 50 right now, so I spent my whole youth years," said general manager Gokhan Akaydin. "Here basically I grew up in this company so definitely I know the feeling. I know what's our mission."
They say the business wasn't easy to build and it took dedication, patience, and love to keep this legacy alive.
"She has left her legacy to 20 of us and we all work hard to make this possible and we have been working harder ever since she died," said Whitter.
If you want to try one of their patties, Tower Isle's Cafe is open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
